Laidlaw Forgeworks

My Dad and I went to Laidlaw Forgeworks for a course to make a bottle opener of out a railway spike. Logan was our Instructor and did a great job showing us and explaining what to do. He was also great for politely suggesting ways we could improve/ make it easier while we were hammering and such. It was a very cool experience and I would love to go back!

Rusty is an incredible teacher - he taught me and two friends the fundamentals and a few decorations then let us pick projects and worked out how to put them together.My dad still uses the steak flipper, my girlfriend still wears the hand forged ring.10/10, would recommend.

Did an intro course with Rusty at Laidlaw forgeworks, and what an experience!!!Being a fan of a certain Television show, I always wanted to take a course and forge my own knife. After a while of searching, I located Laidlaw and booked a class with a few buddies (4 of us in total). Rusty was a stellar instructor, guiding us through the entire process from raw leaf spring to forged and tempered knife. Each of us tried our own style (1 Japanese chefs knife, 1 camp knife, 1 Bowie, and 1 hybrid chopper), and each of us had our own pace, but he expertly lead us through it all, leaving no one behind.I can’t speak highly enough of the class, the forge, and Rusty as an instructor and mentor. His depth of knowledge was pretty incredible. I’m excited to go back for more one-on-one instruction to help me forge out a solid machete for camping and off-roading in the bush. I highly recommend his class to anyone wanting to try forging!!! Heat, beat, and repeat!!!

We had an absolute blast forging knives this past weekend at Laidlaw forgeworks. It was an incredible experience getting to design and build our own knives. Rusty and Logan couldn't be more informative, they kept the learning environment positive. Thanks again for the amazing experience.

I took an introductory class and it was amazing. In two hours I got to walk away with my very own project. I received one on one instruction and was able to do everything myself (with no previous forging experience). The experience was rewarding because you get the satisfaction of making something yourself, learning a new skill and the hammering is pretty cathartic if you have had a long week. Highly recommend!

My Dad and I signed up for a knife/axe making course. From the moment we arrived, Rusty made us feel welcome and comfortable in the forge. Not only was he patient throughout the entire process, we couldn't be happier with how our projects turned out! Thank you Rusty and Alexis for a wonderful experience!

Rusty and Logan led an intro knife making course for my bf for his birthday and his knife turned out wickedly cool. They were both patient and friendly making sure he knew what he was doing and got a blade he was happy with. Rusty kept him busy in between setting times and let my bf make some hooks.

Rusty is an awesome instructor, blacksmith, and all around great guy! I've taken a number of lessons with him over the past two years and thanks to him was able to start my own business on the side making custom knives. He's patient and understands well how to explain complicated ideas. Every lesson you'll leave with something beautiful you've made with your own hands.Any time or money put towards him or his company is well spent! Can't recommend this guy enough if you or someone you know is interested in blacksmithing, bladesmithing, or metallurgy!

I contracted the great folks at Laidlaw Forgeworks to do a custom fireplace set and branding iron for our family.The artistic detail and forge talent of Rusty was exceptional.Alexis was very attentive to our order and shipment to a very rural location.Thank you so much Rusty and Alexis!

I received a 5 hour training session with Rusty as a birthday gift. It was an excellent introduction to forging basics, and I got to make a knife as well. I recommend checking this place out if you're at all interested in making things, and get a lesson. I plan on going back to learn some more advanced techniques when I have my own forge.