BLACK HORSE FORGE - VETERANS NON-PROFIT

Black Horse Forge is a Veteran Non-Profit, Run by Veterans

Classes

All classes are for veterans, active-duty military, first responders unless otherwise noted in the class name and description.

Click EventBrite link below to register for classes.

Note: 100% of the funds raised from the civilian classes go back into funding free classes for our veterans, active military, and first responders, many of whom are battling PTSD or dealing with other injuries. This is a tax deductible donation.

Basic Blacksmithing Class

Two-Day Knife Class

Railroad Spike Knife Class

Learn how to use color to determine temperature, find out how different hammers move the metal in different ways, try your hand at twisting and and hot cutting . . . all while making useful items such as a BBQ spatula, bottle opener, etc.

Over the course of two days, learn how to forge a full-tang knife, shape and fit the handle, bevel the blade, properly heat treat and more! Participants must attend BOTH DAYS to complete a knife.

Take an ordinary railroad spike and learn how to forge it into a useful, functional knife that will serve well for years to come!

Tool Making Class

Two-Day Stock Removal Class

Learn how to make a tool of the blacksmithing trade that can be used to help create all your metal projects!

Email ahead to find out which tool we’ll be making for this specific class. It could be a hammer, a punch, tongs, or another handy gadget.

Over two days, design a knife; learn grinding techniques/edge beveling, handle finishing, and proper heat treating/tempering processes.

(Veterans/active duty/first responders may register a "plus one" who is not in that category as a support person.)

This class is a good option for those with limited upper body strength due to injury or other disability, as no forging will be done. ***Please note it is from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. To finish your knife, you must attend both days.

Two-Day Civilian Knife Class

Civilian Railroad Spike Knife Class

This class is for those who have never served in the military or as first responders, but who want to help the men and women who have. And learn some skills along the way.

Over the course of two days, you'll learn how to make a full-tang knife from beginning to end - everything from forging the blade and grinding the edge, to making the handle and properly heat treating the metal. ***You must attend both days to complete your knife.

100% of the funds raised from this class go back into funding free classes for our veterans, active military, and first responders, many of whom are battling PTSD or dealing with other injuries. This is a tax deductible donation.

This class is for those who have never served in the military or as first responders, but who want to help the men and women who have. And learn some skills along the way.

Take an ordinary railroad spike and learn how to forge it into a useful, functional knife that will serve well for years to come!

AROUND THE FORGE

Here are some things that some of our visitors have made at the forge.

14 - 15

ABOUT

Our Mission & History

MISSION

Black Horse Forge (BHF) instructs veterans, active duty military, first responders, and their supporters in the art and craft of blacksmithing with the goal of providing a sense of accomplishment, mental and physical well-being, and the knowledge and experience to continue the craft in their own communities.

HISTORY

Black Horse Forge was created in 2018 by Steve Hotz retired as a sergeant and served in the 325th Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. He provides much of the blacksmithing equipment and is passing down his knowledge of the craft. Steve has been Blacksmithing for 8 Years. He is also on the path to become a Journeyman Knife Maker then onto a Master Bladesmith.

Black Horse Forge Cadre are Veterans, Active Duty along with Law Enforcement. The Black Horse Forge Family consists of the students, volunteers, and talented individuals who make our mission possible.

Black Horse Forge has expanded to include several affiliate forges throughout the United States. Black Horse Forge is also proud to be affiliated with the Veteran Forges in The United Kingdom and Australia.

MEET THE TEAM

Our team is made up of civilian and veterans with one mission in mind.

STEVE HOTZ

PRESIDENT

SERGIO RANGEL

VICE PRESIDENT

GREG CAMPBELL

DIRECTOR OF AFFILIATE FORGE

AMY HOTZ

SECRETARY

CARTER HARRELSON

DIRECTOR OF CADRE

ED HEILBORN

DIRECTOR OF CADRE

JAY DUPRIEST

CADRE

DAN HATFIELD

DIRECTOR OF TRAINING

RICKEY STUCHELL

FUNDRAISING

SHAWN STANKO

CADRE

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ)

How do I sign up for classes?
All of our classes are posted on the Black Horse Forge EventBrite page where you can also register.
How much do classes cost?
Classes and materials are free for veterans, active duty military, and first responders. We occasionally hold "civilian" classes on a donation basis to help us pay for our veterans' classes.
What classes are offered?
Classes range from introduction to Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing, Artistic Metal to Jewlery making. We listen to what you want and we will facilitate the training.
How much of my money goes toward the veterans? 100%. No one at Black Horse Forge takes a salary.
Our board and volunteer cadre are comprised of medically retired or retired military veterans, first responders, and civilians who freely volunteer their time and, often, their own resources to further the Forge's mission.
What do I need to bring to a class?
We encourage participants to wear clothing with natural fibers. Synthetics, such as nylon, may get hot and melt to the skin. Closed-toed shoes and eye protection are required. Dress in layers - although it might be cool outside, the forge gets hot quickly. You may want to bring your own leather gloves as well.

During COVID-19 restrictions, we also ask that you bring your own face mask (not made of paper).

Feel free to bring your own food/snacks and drinks. We have a microwave and refrigerator on site.
I'm not a veteran, active duty, or first responder. Can I still come to a class?
Our mission is to provide a type of art therapy through blacksmithing for those who have put their all into our country and communities and need a little help given back. That said, we do occasionally offer classes for those who do not fit into those categories at a suggested donation price. 100% of those proceeds then go back into our veterans/first responder classes.

All classes are posted on our EventBrite page. "Civilian classes" will be labeled as such.
Where are you located? Do you have a forge in my home state/near me?
We are located at 29 Utah Place Ste 107 Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Black Horse Forge is a small non-profit based in Fredericksburg, VA. At this time, we do not have a forge located in another location, however we do have "affiliate forges." These are forges with a similar mission to ours who offer classes to veterans and first responders at free or reduced rates. Contact Us for a list of our affiliates.
I'm a veteran/first responder, but I don't want to come by myself and my buddy is not a veteran/first responder. Can he come any way?
Yes. Early on, we realized that a lot of our veterans, especially those with PTSD, do better in new environments if they bring a support person with them. We call them "battle buddies." So every veteran is allowed to sign up one non-veteran when he/she registers.

We only ask that the battle buddy only attend forge events if the veteran is with him/her.
Do I need any special training?
If you have special needs, please let us know so we can make accommodations. We want you to enjoy yourself and be successful.
Do you have T-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, hats, etc? If so, how do I purchase them?
Yes! We have all of that! To see our merchandise and make a purchase, Contact Us for more information.
So, I took a class and I'm hooked! What now?!
One of the great things that makes Black Horse Forge so unique compared to other programs is that it's not just a one-and-done, "see ya" kind of program. Once you take any of our classes, you then become eligible to attend Open Forge Nights on Wednesdays. (We do ask that you register at our EventBrite site so we can maintain crowds.)

Open Forge Nights enable you to hang out with other vets and work on your own project at your own pace. If you have just taken one class and don't yet feel comfortable starting on your own project, let one of us know and we'll pair you up with someone on an Open Forge until you get the hang of it. Just email info@blackhorseforge.com and let us know you'd like to do that. Our goal is to help our veterans and first responders overcome the mental stresses of their highly demanding jobs and we know it takes more than one or two afternoons to accomplish that. If blacksmithing helps you, then we want it to be a lifelong endeavor you can go to any time you feel the need to hit some hot steel.

In addition, One of Black Horse Forge's future goals is to provide beginner blacksmithing kits to those who need them most.

Our goal is to have a positive impact on veterans’ lives and the lives of their supporters. This takes time, patience, and focused caring. We are about the quality of our contribution to their lives more than the quantity of people who come through our program. If you or someone you know are interested in participating in our program, we would love to hear from you, learn where your interests lie, and keep you updated as our program expands. Input from veterans and their supporters will help guide us as we grow.

If you are interested in supporting Black Horse Forge, through donation of supplies, equipment, or financially, we are glad to talk with you about the needs of the forge. We are a 501(c)3 federally recognized nonprofit.

For those who are blacksmiths and are interested in donating your time and talent to help veterans, give us a call or send an email. Special classes, guest talks, and time beside masters of the craft will inspire and fuel a passion for blacksmithing for our veterans and their supporters. We are all about that!

Thank you for your interest! We look forward to hearing from you.

BLACK HORSE FORGE

29 Utah Place Ste 107

Fredericksburg, VA 22405

(240) 644-5768