Entry No. 38 — the San Antonio file — filed under: blacksmithing
Volundr Forge
An appointment-only forge where the instructors aren't hobbyists but actual History Channel 'Forged in Fire' champions — J. Alex Ruiz (Season 5 winner, for a medieval horseman's battle axe) and Tobin Nieto of Stonehaven Knife Works (Season 2 winner) — teaching private and small-group blacksmithing and bladesmithing with reclaimed steel and a 'you don't need a lot to do a lot' minimalist ethos.
The story
Tucked along South Presa Street near the Mission Reach, Volundr Forge isn't a trendy craft studio with pre-cut kits and safety-goggle souvenirs. It’s an working metal shop run by J. Alex Ruiz, who earned his credentials on television by forging a medieval horseman’s battle axe to win Season 5 of the History Channel’s *Forged in Fire*. Ruiz runs the forge alongside fellow champion Tobin Nieto of Stonehaven Knife Works (Season 2), bringing competition-tested bladesmithing back down to raw iron.
The core ethos here is minimalist: you don't need a high-tech shop full of modern gizmos to shape tool steel. Ruiz spends much of his time doing historic ironwork restoration, and that traditional mindset carries directly over to the anvil. Classes revolve around working reclaimed steel down into functional blades using basic tools, fire, and simple physical leverage.
What it's like
You don't walk into Volundr Forge on a whim—it is strictly appointment-only for private or small-group sessions. Leave synthetic clothes at home unless you want flying scale sparks melting tiny holes into your favorite shirt; put on heavy cotton, denim, and sturdy leather boots. You'll spend hours standing over a hot forge, learning hammer control and metal heat colors directly from television-tested smiths, and walking away with a finished blade forged from scrap metal by your own sore arms.
The move: Email ahead to book a private or small-group lesson and spend a session at the anvil together, forging a blade from reclaimed steel under instruction from a competition-show champion.
- 📍 South Side (near Mission Reach)
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 4223 S Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78223
Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Camp Hot Wells (at Hot Wells Historic Park) — Soak the arm you just spent three hours hammering steel with in warm sulfur water just a mile down the Mission Reach.
- Caliente Hot Glass — Trade one intense heat discipline for another by trying your hand at molten glassblowing just up the street.
- Bar 1919 — Head north into Southtown after your forge session for a quiet, low-lit whiskey down in a basement speakeasy.
Good to know
Can I stop by just to look around?
No. The forge operates on an appointment-only basis for booked small-group and private lessons.
Who actually teaches the classes?
Lessons are taught by *Forged in Fire* champions J. Alex Ruiz (Season 5 winner) and Tobin Nieto (Season 2 winner).
What kind of materials do you work with?
The studio focuses on reclaiming steel and using minimalist, historic blacksmithing techniques rather than high-end production machinery.
What should I wear to a class?
Wear natural fibers (100% cotton or heavy denim) and sturdy, closed-toe boots. Synthetic clothes can melt near open flame and flying forge scale.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · texascooppower.com · texaslifestylemag.com
last checked: 2026-07-20