Blacksmiths, both aspiring and seasoned, welcome at Fall Hammer-In

They say you can’t teach old dogs new tricks, but it’s really never too late to pick up a new hobby, especially something as exciting as blacksmithing.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or have years of experience, the Columbia Fire and Iron Blacksmiths Fall Hammer-In is worth checking out.

The Hammer-in will be Saturday and Sunday at Morgan Jade Ironworks.

The weekend will be divided into four sessions, each of which are capped at 24 blacksmiths.

Aspiring blacksmiths will learn the basics through introductory projects like nail and hook making, while seasoned smiths will work on more advanced projects.

“We have lofty goals of building a blacksmithing community here in Spokane and drawing from the surrounding region, to keep traditional metalwork alive and continue to learn and experiment with modern techniques and tools,” Columbia Fire and Iron Blacksmiths wrote on its website.

Columbia Fire and Iron was founded in 2013 and hosts two hammer-ins each year.

Attendees should wear natural materials, such as cotton, to the Hammer-In, and protective glasses must be worn while hammering.

For safety reasons, there will be no knife or weapon making at the Hammer-In, though instructors do offer knife classes at their own shops.