Iron Mountain Metal Craft

[nate1714]

Was hiking in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park this past week. In Pigeon Forge, TN is Iron Mountain Metal Craft where you can take some basic blacksmithing lessons, which take about 1 hour or less. You can make a knife from a nail, two types from horse shoes, and one from a RR spike. There are also a few non-knife like back scratcher, bottle opener, cross, and S hook. I have always wanted to try my hand at making something and knew I HAD to try. I did the RR spike knife at $75 bucks, for reference this is the most expensive item on the list. In my area you can get lessons for similar items which start at around $100, so this was a good deal too.

My lesson took about 50 min and was with Robby Bowman himself. Robby is a third generation blacksmith and was very nice. I don't have cable but apparently he was on Forged in Fire on History Channel. He knew I was more into knives then his average tourist client and took the time to teach me a few more in depth things then I saw him teach the two guys ahead of me. Robby was very informative and passionate about making knives. The knife even came with a handmade sheath. I am very happy with how my knife turned out and would love to try this again in the future.

On a side note if in the area stop by next door at Old Forge Distillery for some free Moonshine samples (Oatmeal Cookie is best!) and eat at the Old Mill for dinner

- not my photo
Final Product, blade is about 4in long

Nearby you can find a massive SAK...

Carried it on my hike on the Appalachian Trail

 

[Drew Riley]

My oldest (7) was just watching the FiF that Robby was on, last night. Looks like you had a good time and that it was money very well spent. Can't say I wouldn't mind doing the same myself.

 

[BartlettBlades]

Wasn't Robby the one on the show that they called the "rootin tooting cowboy?"

Sent from my SM-N915V using Tapatalk

 

[nate1714]

Robby was very high energy and in general a great guy to have a conversation with.