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.
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