LedfordWorks.com

Class Options

Railroad Spike
Class

4 Hours

$250

per person

More Info

Railroad Spike Class

4 hours
Morning and afternoon sessions available.
Create your very own beautiful knife out of a railroad spike.
Fun and challenging. Beginners welcome!
Minimum age: 15. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Up to 8 guests per session.
Group rates for 4 or more guests per session available.

Custom Knife-Making Class

2 Days

$1,000

per person

More Info

2-Day Custom Knife-Making Class

2 days, 9 am - 4 pm each day
Intermediate knife makers and beginners welcome.
During this two day class we will be working with a piece of high carbon steel to build a simple yet ready to use hunting knife.
Day 1: We will focus on the forging of the knife as well as grinding the knife to shape and grinding a rough bevel on the blade. We will also be covering the heat treating of the blade. You will learn how to properly harden the particular steel that we are working with.
Day 2: We will begin by working on the finish work of the blade, and then begin assembling the handle. We will then be sculpting and sanding the handle to ensure a great and comfortable grip, lastly we will finish off the day by going over how to get a razor sharp edge on your knife.
After the class you will be given a sheath to go with your knife.
Each knife will be modeled by the knife in the pictures but minor changes can be made.
Hunting Knife Photos
Kitchen Knife Photos
Lunch will be provided at the shop during one of the two days, and the other day we will go out to eat at a local restaurant in town.
Lodging is not provided. We would recommend that you stay somewhere in Hiawassee or Blairsville Ga at a hotel or airbnb.
Please feel free to call and ask any questions!
Minimum age: 15. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Custom Knife-Making Class

3 Days

$1,500

per person

More Info

3-Day Custom Knife-Making Class

3 days, 9 am - 4 pm each day
This class is for knife-makers with some experience who are looking to take it to the next level!
During this three day class we will focus on making a high end, highly detailed hunting knife.
We will be working with a piece of high carbon steel to build a simple yet ready to use hunting knife.
Day 1: Forging, rough grinding and going over heat treat.
Day 2: Cleaning up the knife on the grinder and hand sanding the blade
Day 3: Fitting, sculpting and hand handing the handle to achieve best grip. Sharpending the blade to give you a razor sharp edge. Learning how to care for your knife.
After the class you will be given a sheath to go with your knife.
Each knife will be modeled by the knife in the pictures but minor changes can be made.
Hunting Knife Photos
Kitchen Knife Photos
Lunch will be provided at the shop two of the three days, and the other day we will go out to eat at a local restaurant in town.
Lodging is not provided. We would recommend that you stay somewhere in Hiawassee or Blairsville Ga at a hotel or airbnb.
Please feel free to call and ask any questions!
Minimum age: 15. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Custom Knife-Making Class

4 Days

$2,000

per person

More Info

4-Day Custom Knife-Making Class

Upcoming Class Schedule
- Kitchen Knife Class : 04/23/24 - 04/26/24
4 days, 9 am - 4 pm each day
This class does not require prior experience, but some knowledge of knife-making would be helpful.
During this four day class you will be making your very own damascus hunting knife.
You will make the damascus from scratch and then making a knife from the damascus billet.
Day 1: We will focus on creating our damascus billet and forging out the blade.
Day 2: Rough grinding of the blade and heat treating the steel.
Day 3: Sanding the blade to get a nice finish on the steel, then etching the blade.
Day 4: Putting a handle onto the blade and sculpting the handle to properly fit you, then going over how to get a razor sharp blade.
Each knife will be modeled by the knife in the pictures but minor changes can be made.
Hunting Knife Photos
Kitchen Knife Photos
Lunch will be provided at the shop two of the three days, and the other two days we will go out to eat at a local restaurant in town.
Lodging is not provided. We would recommend that you stay somewhere in Hiawassee or Blairsville Ga at a hotel or airbnb.
Please feel free to call and ask any questions!
Minimum age: 15. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Custom Ax-Making Class

Starting February, 2024!

Details and sign-up opportunities coming soon!

Purchase Gift Certificates

Gift certificates are available for any of our classes or for any amount.

Purchase

Group Rates Available

For any class.
Contact us to discuss.

Special Events

We can make a special event even more special!
Contact us to discuss.

Our classes are led and taught by 2-time "Forged in Fire" finalist Caleb Ledford
In Person in Young Harris, Georgia

Over 230 5-star reviews on airbnb! And counting!
Click to Read Some.

Never made a knife before?

Perfect! Impress your friends when you show them your amazing functional work of art. Never made a knife before? Perfect! Impress your friends when you show them your amazing functional work of art.

This is hands-on fun!

In our 4-hour class, students will learn to create a beautiful knife out of a railroad spike. Learn how to control & heat metal in the forge then how to properly hold the metal while forging it with a hammer. Finally some grinding, beveling and heat treating.

"Blood, sweat, and tears"

Well, we certainly hope there will be no tears...or blood! But there will definitely be a lot of sweat! So be prepared to work hard and feel VERY accomplished when you finish your project!

Opportunities for everyone!

Our classes are great for individuals, couples, families, friends, small groups and corporate outings. Group rates are available. We can even link you to other opportunities in the area to complement your class and enhance your experience in the beautiful North Georgia mountains!

A bigger challenge awaits!

For folks wanting to try something more challenging, we offer 2-, 3- and 4-day classes tailored to your desires and skill level. Scroll down for more information or to get started signing up!

Our Newly Renovated and Expanded Workshop

About Us

Pride, Passion, Hard Work, Amazing Results

Creating quality products is a passion, not just a hobby.

Careful attention to detail in every project.

Helping others learn and enjoy metalworking.

Forged In Fire

Season 8, Episode 9
"Beat the Unbeaten"

Premiere: January 19, 2022, 9pm, The History Channel Watch It!

After taking down 2 other competitors, Caleb went to the final round of "Forged In Fire - Beat the Unbeaten".
It was close, and he gave 6-time champion Ben Abbott a run for his money. But Ben made it win #7. Congratulation Caleb on another great showing!

Season 7, Episode 29
"Baby Boomer vs Gen Z"

Permiere: April 22, 2020, 9pm, The History Channel Watch It!

Caleb's first appearance on the popular "Forged In Fire" competition premiered Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at 9 pm on the History Channel.
It was a lot of fun, a ton of hard work and very challenging. He met a lot of great people and really enjoyed competing against some of the finest.
The odds on favorite to win, Caleb's handle broke during the final testing phase and he finished as the runner up. No doubt he will be back for revenge at some point!

Gallery

Sample knives are shown. Price ranges may vary depending on size, materials and time to make.
If you are interested in placing a custom order, scroll down to the "Contact Us / Custom Orders" section.
Click or tap an image for a larger picture.

Damascus Chef Knife
$500 - $700

Damascus Bowie Knife
$400 - $500

Integral Bolster Hunting Knife
$400 - $500

Custom Viking Sax
$500 - $600

Integral Bolster Chef Knife
$500 - $700

Forged in Fire Sword
Not for Sale

Damascus Bowie Knife
$400 - $500

Contact Us / Custom Orders

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Metalwork Is What We Do!

If you are interested in placing a custom order or have questions about our knife-making classes, please describe in detail in the space provided below. Someone will follow up with you to get more information or provide an estimate.

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