Event Details

Full-Day Workshops: 
Select Saturdays | 9 AM–4 PM 
May 2 (SOLD OUT), May 9 (SOLD OUT), May 16 (SOLD OUT), Nov 7, 2026 

Half-Day Workshops: 
Select Saturdays | 9 AM–12 PM 
June 13*, Sep 26, Oct 3, Oct 24*, 2026 

 *Participants will create a hatchet on these dates.

Hammer Your Own Knife or Hatchet  

Strike while the iron is hot, hear the “clang” of the hammer and feel the heat from the forge as you learn the art of blacksmithing in our 1860s-era Dockstader Blacksmith Shop at Wade House. During your forging tutorial, you’ll shape unique knives from various materials and customize the handles with your own design to make a distinctive, one-of-a-kind knife. Full-day workshop participants will forge two knives, while half-day participants will forge one knife. Hatchet workshop participants will forge a belt-sized hatchet. Forging items with your own hands is a unique experience you won’t soon forget—register now to create a custom souvenir and reserve your spot. Hatchet workshop participants must have previous metal working or blacksmith experience.

Forging items with your own hands is a unique experience you won’t soon forget—register now to create a custom gift and reserve your spot.

What You’ll Experience   

• The opportunity to create two knives (May 2, May 9, May 16 & Nov 7), a knife (Sep 26, Oct 3) or a hatchet (June 13, Oct 24) under the instruction of a talented blacksmith  

• Custom craft making that you can keep for yourself—or give to friends and family as a unique gift

Organizer: Wisconsin Historical Society / Wade House

Cost

Full-day Workshop: $225/person 
Half-day Workshop: $125/person 

Society members receive a 10% discount, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.

Advanced registration is required