forestART

Axe Forging with Aimie Botehlo
July 24-27th, 2026
Registration - $425
Materials Fee ($120) + Optional Meals ($180)

During this 3-day course you will forge your own small axe that is perfect for competitive throwing, and compact enough for bushcraft survival skills and camping (1-2 lb). All tooling and techniques covered are based on a course taught in Sweden.

The axes will be “punch eye” forged out of one solid piece of steel, with a European oval eye, and a special straight handle for throwing. No forging will be skipped – you will learn every step of the process, including sledgehammer striking techniques, basic metallurgy, axe sharpening, and hafting (adding the wooden handle). You will often hammer in teams with your classmates, but will leave with your own custom axe.

Note: Previous forging experience is an asset, but not required. This course involves the use of hot forges and metal. You must be prepared to work in groups, and with a high level of concentration and physical exertion. 18+ or accompanied by a guardian. Please reach out with any questions.

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About Aimie Botelho

Aimie Botelho is an artist blacksmith based in Ontario. After completing degrees in sculpture and teaching, she pursued a traditional apprenticeship as a blacksmith, working n a shop producing public art, railings, private commissions, and classes for the public. She has been forging for 15 years and is a former instructor for the Artist Blacksmith Program at Fleming College, where she taught courses such as Toolmaking, Traditional Joinery, and
Sculpture. She loves sharing her passion for forging through teaching.

Learn more about Aimie here:

Website

Instagram

What is Provided

metal
axe handle
coal forges
blacksmith coal
anvils on stands
leg/post vises
swage block
several tongs
2 slack tubs
several chisels and punches, swages and fullers
soap stone markers
wire brushes
hack saws
hammers

What to Bring

leather and cotton clothing (no synthetics)
leather gloves (full leather, no plastic)
closed shoes / boots (leather recommended)
safety eyewear
hearing protection (earplugs / muffs)
hat or bandanna (optional)
thermal mug / water bottle
note/sketch book - optional
pencil
Sharpie
dust mask (N95, like covid times)
salty snacks - recommended
whittling knife - optional

Other Important Information

Safety Gear

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for blacksmithing is mostly common sense. Cotton and leather clothing, no synthetics that melt in high heat or spark.
Safety eyeware is highly recommended. Non-prescription safety glasses are easily available. A larger version or goggles can be used over prescription glasses.
Gloves help protect you from burns and blisters. Snug fitting leather gloves offer better dexterity and control while a much looser fit can be flung off in a single motion if required. Some blacksmiths wears a glove on his left hand and almost never on his right (hammer) hand.
Hearing protection is a must. Disposable roll-up foam earplugs or the over-the-ear cup-style hearing defenders; both are fine.
Many smiths employ a leather apron or chaps. Canadian Tire, Lee Valley and sometimes Princess Auto sell leather aprons.
Headgear keeps ash from the coal fire out of your hair. A hat, bandana or no head gear is your choice.

Hammers

Blacksmith hammers have do not have completely flat faces and no sharp edges. All surfaces are radiused.
We will supply a wide variety (shape and weight) of hammers for you to experiment with. You are encouraged to change hammers often to discover their various forms and applications and to find your favourite weight/style.

Burns

Small superficial burns are almost inevitable when staring out. Be assured that if you accidentally touch hot steel you will quickly let go and harm will be minimal if any. A bit of burn ointment and a coffee break take care of most mishaps. Best practice is to assume all metal is hot until you know otherwise. In groups we always insist you put hot steel on the ground under the coal forge.

Can I make my own project?

Not this time, this is a short course and in order to get the most out of it, this time, we're sticking to axe making!
Please check out Tyler Dies workshop July 6-9th if you're looking for a blacksmithing course with some project flexibility!

How to Get Here

Our classes take place at the Ness Creek Site. Click here to download directions or If you prefer a little technological assistance during your adventures, look up “Ness Creek Site” on Google Maps. Keep in mind, though, that you might lose signal as you get closer to the site.

Optional Meal Add-On

Caterer TBC

Accommodations

Please book directly with Ness Core