AFTER TAKING A CLASS at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina, Caleb Ledford began blacksmithing at age 12. A passion for knife-making quickly ignited in the Young Harris native, who competed in the History Channel reality series Forged in Fire at 18, finishing as a finalist in two different episodes that aired in 2020. The now-21-year-old craftsman continues to create beautifully functioning knives from railroad spikes—and he’ll teach you how to do it, too, in hands-on workshops at his family’s farm. The 4-hour workshops take visitors through the entire process, from controlling and heating the metal to forging with a hammer to grinding and beveling the blade. The classes cost $250 per person and are great experiences for groups or individuals. Find more info and register at ledfordworks.com.
25 of our Favorite Things in North Georgia this Fall 
This issue celebrates our 25th anniversary publishing in North Georgia. North Georgia has grown a lot over 25 years, but we...
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