Featured Events in Kingsport in December 2023 (August Updated)

Join the Beginner Blacksmithing: Steel Hair Stick class in Kingsport at The Inventor Center. This class offers a unique opportunity to forge your own hair stick while learning about the art of blacksmithing. Under the guidance of experienced blacksmith Brenden Bohannon, participants will delve into the rich history of this craft and gain valuable knowledge about tooling and basic concepts. During the class, attendees will forge a steel hair pin, which will then be heat treated and polished on a grinder. The finished pieces can be taken home for a final temper in a home oven. This class is open to individuals aged 16 and above, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please come dressed in cotton or non-synthetic clothing that you don't mind getting dirty, wear full-length pants, and make sure to wear close-toed shoes. Brenden Bohannon is a highly skilled blacksmith, bladesmith, and artist from Johnson City, Tennessee, known for his iron age designs and functional pieces that stand the test of time. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional in the field. Register now for the Beginner Blacksmithing: Steel Hair Stick class at The Inventor Center in Kingsport. Tickets are available for $55.20.

Join the Beginner Bladesmithing: Seahorse Knives event in Kingsport at The Inventor Center on December 2, 2023. This class is a must for anyone interested in learning about blacksmithing and creating their own small knife. Led by experienced blacksmith and bladesmith Brenden Bohannon, participants will not only forge their own all-steel knife but also gain knowledge about blacksmithing history, tooling information, and basic concepts. This class serves as a prerequisite for advanced classes to come. After the forging process, the knives will undergo heat treatment and be ground to achieve a sharp edge. Attendees can then take their finished knives home for a final temper in a home oven. Suitable for individuals aged 16 and above (under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian), the event requires participants to wear cotton or non-synthetic clothes that can get dirty, full-length pants, and closed-toed shoes. Brenden Bohannon, a resident of Johnson City, Tennessee, is a full-time blacksmith, bladesmith, and lifelong artist. His expertise in iron age designs and focus on creating functional pieces make this event a unique learning opportunity. Don't miss out on the chance to forge your own knife and delve into the world of blacksmithing with Brenden Bohannon. Secure your spot at the event for a ticket price of $55.20.

Join the Intermediate Bladesmithing: Railroad Spike to Knife workshop in Kingsport at The Inventor Center on December 3, 2023. This class is perfect for those with prior blacksmithing experience or who have attended a beginner blacksmithing/bladesmithing workshop. Under the expert guidance of Brenden Bohannon, a full-time blacksmith and bladesmith from Johnson City Tennessee, participants will learn the art of forging their own knife from a railroad spike. During this informative class, participants will not only learn the techniques of forging a railroad spike into a knife, but also delve into the rich history of blacksmithing. The class will cover vital topics such as tooling information, spike steel properties, hammering to shape, edge geometry, and basic heat treating. Participants will also have the opportunity to witness the complete process of heat treating the knives and sharpening them on a grinder. Please come prepared for a physically intensive class by wearing cotton or non-synthetic clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, full-length pants, and close-toed shoes. It's recommended to bring water and be ready to exert some strength while swinging a hammer. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from a talented artist and experienced blacksmith. Purchase your ticket for $159.77 and discover the fascinating world of bladesmithing. Remember, participants must be 16 years or older, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to acquire new skills and create a functional piece that will last a lifetime. Reserve your spot now for the Intermediate Bladesmithing: Railroad Spike to Knife workshop in Kingsport.