Blacksmithing

Highlands Iron Smithing 1320 W. Main Street Wytheville, VA 24382

Bladesmith, James B. Covert, has been hand forging tools, knives, short swords, spears, and tomahawks for over forty-five years. James is a retired U.S. Army veteran, artist, potter and bladesmith who specializes in knife and tool making.

James has been actively teaching knife and tool making to children, youth, adults and older adults for the last 25 years. He has empowered many young adults in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia, teaching students these traditional arts and crafts. He has been blacksmithing at the Crab Orchard Museum in Tazewell, VA and the Town of Wytheville Museums as well.

James was featured in the book, The Wonder of Knifemaking, 2nd edition, by Master bladesmith and renowned author, the late Wayne Goddard, who was an icon in the field of knifemaking.  Goddard was highly recognized for his news articles on tips and tricks in BLADE magazine.  In 2011, James established the Appalachian 5160 Knife Club as an extension of the West Coast 5160 Club, that was originally founded by Goddard.

Beginner Class:Rail road spike knife with a twist in handle: 1 day workshop single or group session.

Intermediate Class: Tomahawk head and basic handle: 1 day workshop single session: 2 day workshop group session. Intermediate Class: Spear head and basic handle: 1 day workshop single session. 2 day workshop group session.

Advanced Class: Short Bowie Knife and Handle: 4 day workshop, single session only.

Other popular classes offered:

Charcoal, coal or propane forge building: 1 or 2 day workshop

Crafting different types handles for custom knives: 1 or 2 day workshop

	Crafting sheathes using a variety of materials including leather: 1 or 2 day workshop