FAQs

Everything you wanted to know before you step up to the anvil. If your question isn't here, email us at info@smiteblacksmithacademy.com, we're happy to talk it through.

Getting Started

Who is Smite Blacksmithing Academy? Smite Blacksmith Academy is part of Front Step Forge, home of Shawn Cunningham, professional blacksmith and teacher since 1993. He has partnered with Shaun Semple of Daelen Forge, who has been forging since 2014, to bring you even more blacksmithing experiences.

Do I need any experience? No, our intro experiences and classes are designed for beginners. For more advanced classes, please see the descriptions for requirements.

Will I actually make something or is it mostly watching? You'll make something you get to keep.

Age & Eligibility

How old do I have to be? You must be 18 or older. 16 and 17 year-olds are welcome as long as a parent or legal guardian is registered and participating alongside them, ready to assist as needed.

Am I strong enough? Fit enough? Blacksmithing is about hammer control and timing, not brute strength, a well-placed strike from a light hammer moves more metal than a wild swing from a heavy one. That said, it is physical. You'll be on your feet and swinging a hammer in a very hot environment.

What if I have a physical limitation or injury? Get in touch before you book to discuss your unique needs.

What to Wear & Safety

Closed-toe shoes. Runners are fine. No sandals or open toe shoes.
Long pants such as jeans or cotton work pants.
Cotton shirt, short sleeves preferred.
Older clothes. Sparks leave small burn marks. Don't wear anything you'd be sad to lose.
Natural fibres only - Abolutely NO synthetics like polyester, nylon, lycra or fleece which can melt against the skin when a spark lands.

Long hair must be tied back and jewelry such as rings, bracelets, dangling earrings, necklaces removed. Clothing must also not have any strings that dangle or hang.

What safety gear do you provide? We supply gloves and safety glasses. You bring the clothing and footwear described above.

Can I wear glasses or contacts? Yes. Our safety glasses fit over most prescription frames, and contacts are fine in the shop.

What about alcohol or cannabis? No alcohol or cannabis before or during your session. No exceptions. Your instructor has final say on whether a participant is safe to forge, and reserves the right to remove anyone from the shop floor for safety reasons.

Do I need to sign a waiver? Yes, no exceptions. We'll send it to you ahead of your session so you can sign before you arrive. Underage participants (14 to 17 years old) need a parent or legal guardian signature and that parent or legal guardian must also be registered to participate.

Booking, Payment & Policies

How do I book? Classes and experiences are booked directly through our website. For private events email us to discuss your custom experience at info@smiteblacksmithacademy.com and we'll take it from there.

What's included? All steel, fuel, tools, safety gear, and instruction. You bring yourself, appropriate clothing, and a water bottle.

What's your cancellation and rebooking policy? Because our class sizes are so small, we're unable to offer refunds.

If you need to change your session 14 or more days before your date, you can move to a different date for a $25 rebooking fee. 13 days or fewer before your session, rebooking isn't available. You're welcome to send someone else in your place at no charge. Just let us know who's coming so we can get their waiver sorted.

Private bookings have their own terms, which we'll go over with you when you reach out.

Do you sell gift cards? Not at this time, but we are working on it!

Forging Day - What to Expect

Where are you? We're on the south side of Edmonton. The full address and arrival details are sent to you after you book.

When should I arrive? Plan on arriving 15 minutes early.

Can someone come along to watch? Unfortunately we do not have space for spectators.

Should I bring water? Yes, bring a water bottle, it's hot work and you'll need it.

The Teachers

Who teaches the experiences and classes? Classes and experiences are taught by Shawn Cunningham or Shaun Semple professional, career blacksmiths with decades of experience between them.

Shawn Cunningham of Front Step Forge has been blacksmithing for over 30 years (starting in 1993) creating everything from architectural pieces for the government, to a key for Queen Elizabeth, to blacksmithing tools that are recognized around the world for their exceptional quality. He has decades of experience teaching blacksmithing in the community and at NAIT as the creator and instructor of the IRON course series.

Shaun Semple of Daelen Forge has been forging for 12 years and got his start learning from Shawn Cunningham at NAIT. He has become a highly sought after blacksmith known for creating highly refined, meticulous work that combines history with modern culture. His storied knives, gamer pieces and ritual tools are coveted by collectors.