Educational Programs

At VIBA, our instructors and member volunteers offer mentorship on club nights and regular club training and advanced tool making courses.

Basic Blacksmith Course, Fundamentals of Toolmaking

Duration: 8 Saturdays (8:30am to 5:00pm)

Location: Luxton Fairgrounds, 1040 Marwood Ave., Victoria, BC

Course Start date: March 8, 2025. Starting at 8:30 am.

Course fee: $500

Introduction: Learn the fundamentals of the craft in our eight-Saturday course. This program takes you into the forge for your first hammer blows and through the creation of a set of basic smithing tools. Each lesson builds on the last to create solid foundations for becoming a self-sufficient Blacksmith.

Content: The Foundations of Forging:

Learn proper fire management and essential safety practices.
Learn the tools in the Forge and the importance of selecting the right tool for the job. Begin to learn the differences of Metal/Steel
Learn the fundamentals of blacksmithing, moving metal molecules.
Craft your own a set of Basic functioning Tools.
Being comfortable working/assisting with others.

Why Choose Our Course?

Hands-On Learning: Experience hands-on learning, guided by experienced Instructors in a collaborative learning environment.
Progressive skills: Each project builds on the last, creating a progressive set of skills throughout the course.
Coal and Propane Forges: Gain proficiency in both coal and propane forges, expanding your versatility with Blacksmith Tools.
Blacksmiths Toolkit: Attendees will finish the course having completed their first set of tools (Hook-Ruler, Punch, Drift, Handled Hot-Cut, Tongs and a Hammer). Learning Fire-Welding.

Take the first step towards becoming a traditional blacksmith.

Limited spots available.

Registration is now open. Please contact us at swedefiddle@shaw.ca to register.

Additional Courses

Starting in 2024 VIBA will begin to offer half-day, full-day and weekend courses, and will be available for small group and private instruction.

Check back for updates.