Entry No. 42 — the Raleigh file — filed under: blacksmithing
Reaver Forge
Run by a passionate Army veteran and former VP of the North Carolina Artist-Blacksmith's Association, Reaver Forge specializes in architectural ironwork and offers intensive, hands-on blacksmithing classes.
The story
If you assume blacksmithing in Wake County is limited to historical reenactments, head up Durant Road in North Raleigh. Reaver Forge is an active metalworking outfit opened in 2021 by an Army veteran and former Vice President of the North Carolina Artist-Blacksmith's Association, who moved his shop from Creedmoor to focus on custom architectural ironwork and specialized tooling.
The shop doesn't run mass-market group tours or passive craft demonstrations. Workshops are scheduled strictly one per day on a first-come, first-served basis. That low-density setup means you aren't waiting in line for forge time or sharing an anvil; you spend the entire session managing hot steel under direct, expert supervision.
What it's like
Expect loud anvil impacts, intense radiant heat, and a crash course in thermal physics and hammer mechanics. You will manage tongs, shape red-hot steel, and run belt grinders to finish your piece. Dress strictly in natural fibers like heavy cotton or denim—sparks will burn straight through synthetic fleece—and wear closed-toe leather boots. Because only one class is booked per day, you must contact the forge directly via email to lock in your date well ahead of time.
The move: Book their dedicated 'Couples Class' (which offers two-for-the-price-of-one pricing) or the intensive 1-Day Blacksmith's Knife Class to forge, grind, and heat-treat your own functional steel knife from start to finish.
- 📍 North Raleigh
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 9300 Durant Road, Raleigh, NC 27614
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- The Dry Cleaners — Wash off the forge soot and grab a cocktail hidden behind a fake laundry counter just three miles down Durant Road.
- Float Spa Raleigh North — Relieve your hammer shoulder with an hour of zero-gravity floating right after your metalworking session.
- Skin Sense a Day Spa — Trade intense radiant forge heat for a quiet session in a Himalayan salt cave to unknot your back muscles.
Good to know
What types of classes are offered?
Offerings include hands-on general blacksmithing, an intensive 1-Day Blacksmith's Knife Class where you forge, grind, and heat-treat a functional steel blade, and a dedicated Couples Class with two-for-the-price-of-one pricing.
How do you book a class?
Classes are scheduled individually on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of one class per day. Bookings are handled directly by emailing reaver.forge.blacksmith@gmail.com.
Is prior experience required?
No prior experience is necessary. Classes cover fundamental hammer control, forge safety, heating color recognition, and basic metal shaping.
Where is the shop located?
Reaver Forge is located at 9300 Durant Road in North Raleigh.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · woodcrestfarmnc.com
last checked: 2026-07-21