Photo Gallery: Blacksmithing

Forging Ahead

Blacksmith Week at Cascadia Center for Arts & Crafts

photography by Jessica Smith

EVERY YEAR, the Cascadia Center for Arts & Crafts hosts Blacksmith Week at its Government Camp site. People from around the state come to learn more about this ancient craft. Throughout the week, blades are sharpened, hot metal is shaped into tools and converts to the craft are born.

Sparks fly as Master Smith knife maker David Lisch presses his newly forged blade against a belt sander during a demonstration at Government Camp’s annual Blacksmith Week event. While the craft used to be learned through apprenticeship, “the traditional route is harder now,” he said. In addition to selling his own award-winning knives, Lisch teaches classes to carry on the tradition of preserving and passing on the craft.

Jessica Smith

Lisch’s unfinished knife rests on an anvil between a hammer and a pair of farrier tongs.

Jessica Smith

Once the roughest edges are smoothed, Lisch polishes the knife with a finer-grained sandpaper. After the blade is sharpened and polished, Lisch will form the handle using epoxy to fuse carved antler pieces to the knife’s tang.

Jessica Smith

Benjamin Czyhold of Artificer Forge crafts an artisan bell for a crowd during Blacksmith Week.

Jessica Smith

Audience members are allowed to trace the outline of Lisch’s knife so they may attempt to mimic its shape when they return home.

Jessica Smith

During a demonstration, John Williams retrieves a piece from the forge, which typically ranges from 1,400 to 2,000 degrees when working with iron.

Jessica Smith

The Cascadia Center for Arts & Crafts hosts classes and demonstrations for aficionados of every skill level at the blacksmith workshop.

Jessica Smith

Audience members watch closely, taking notes and pictures for later reference, as Williams molds hot iron with a hammer and an anvil to craft a pair of farrier tongs.

Jessica Smith