Dates:
Monday and Tuesday, June 8 and 9, 2026

Time: 5:30 to 9:30 pm

Course Duration:  2 day class - 4 hours per day
Cost: $299 + HST

Instructor: Mark Reeves

Description:

The origins of the Railroad Spike Knife are not well documented, but it’s easy to imagine them being fashioned by the countless number of American Nomads who walked and rode the rails during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Today, the Railroad Spike Knife is a popular forging project amongst both beginner and seasoned blacksmiths/bladesmiths, resulting in the rich variety of shapes, sizes, and ornamentation found in these knives today!

Forging a useful spike knife begins with selecting the right type of spike. Not all spikes are created equal and the best spike knives are made from rail spikes used to secure tracks at bends and crossings. These spikes are identified by the letters ‘HC’ embossed into the head of the spike, denoting their higher carbon content which allows for the finished blade to be hardened for better edge retention and tempered to reduce brittleness associated with hardening.

In this exciting, hands-on workshop, you will forge a Railroad Spike Knife using basic blacksmith tools and techniques to draw, upset and twist the spike into the desired shape of your knife! Considerable time will be spent hand-filing the bevels and plunge lines of your creation using hand files and a filing jig. You will use the heat of the forge to harden and temper the blade of your knife, after which you will complete your project by stropping and honing its edge. You will leave the workshop with a finished knife, completely hand-forged by you!

Please note: Workshop participants must be 16 years of age or older. Those under 18 years of age must have parental consent / a signed waiver.

Location:
NewMakeIt
621 Timothy Street, 
Newmarket, Ontario
L3Y 1R3

Our cancelation policy:

https://www.newmakeit.com/pages/class-policies-cancellations