Wyoming Artist Blacksmiths Group
Buffalo, Wyoming | Friday–Sunday, April 24–26, 2026
Location
Johnson County Fairgrounds – Google MAPS
18 Fairgrounds Rd
Buffalo, WY 82834
Instructor
Dave Osmundsen
Dave is a tireless advocate of blacksmithing in Wyoming and throughout the Northern Rockies Region. He is the owner of Arrowhead Forge in Buffalo and offers classes for smiths of all skill levels. arrowheadforge.com
At the 2026 Spring Forge-In, Dave will demonstrate:
- A camp ax
- A throwing tomahawk
In blacksmithing, when we say “demonstrate” we mean that everyone will gather around and watch as Dave demonstrates and instructs, then we break up into individual stations and do our best to replicate what Dave showed us.
Price
Students are eligible for a discount.
Bring cash or check for:
- Payment of fee
- Donations for lunch
- Auction purchases
- $10 tuition discount if you bring at least one item to donate to the auction
What to Expect
- Friday through Sunday at the fairgrounds
- A full three days of hands-on smithing
- Participants who attend all three days can expect to leave with:
- A hand-made ax
- A tomahawk
- An ax eye drift
- Saturday evening:
- Small auction of materials, art pieces, and tools
- Dinner for participants
- Semi-annual WAB membership meeting
- Sunday:
- Finish up projects
- Friendly tomahawk toss competition for prizes
Suggested Tools
Dave’s suggested tools (see reference image):
- Hot cut, handheld or handled
- 2–3 lb cross pein hammer
- Tongs for 3/8 × 1/2
- 3/4 × 1 tongs
- Tongs for holding a 3/8 thick eye
Schedule
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 4/23 | 4:30–6:00 pm | Board members cut stock on site; drop off tools & anvils if desired |
| Fri 4/24 | 7:30 am | Show up and set up |
| 8:00 am | Instruction begins | |
| 12:00–1:00 pm | Lunch break | |
| 5:00 pm | End of instruction | |
| 5:00–7:00 pm | Open shop / catch-up time | |
| Sat 4/25 | 7:30 am | Show up and set up |
| 8:00 am | Instruction begins | |
| 12:00–1:00 pm | Lunch | |
| 5:00 pm | End of work day | |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner / auction | |
| Sun 4/26 | 7:30 am | Show up / set up |
| 12:00 pm | End of Forge-In / tear down |
FAQ
Will we be indoors or outdoors? How should I dress?
We will be in a large barn with big open doors. You need not worry about rain or sun, but should prepare for the possibility of cool temperatures. We also recommend clothing that does not melt to your skin if you drop a white hot piece of metal onto it — cotton is a great choice.
I am an absolute beginner with no tools. Should I still come?
Absolutely. You will be hard-pressed to find a better group of folks who are eager to help you get hooked on our hammering addiction.
The most important tools for a beginner to bring:
- A cross pein hammer
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Ear protection
I’m bringing my propane forge. Are you providing propane?
Bring your own tank.
Are there 110 / 220 hookups? Can I bring extra tools?
There are 110 and 220 hookups available. We will already have a chop saw on site for cutting up stock prior to class.
What time should I arrive on Friday the 24th?
A 7:30 am arrival will be perfect. Friday will be a full day of fun learning. If you want to unload tools Thursday evening, an event organizer will be at the fairgrounds between 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm, after which there is a chance a group of folks will head to a local eatery for fellowship and grub.
Will our tools be locked up at night?
We will be using an arena that will be locked at night. The risk of theft is not zero, but organizers will be leaving their valuables there.
What time does each day wrap up? Can I leave early on Sunday?
We will finish forging and instruction at 5:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. You can absolutely leave early on Sunday.
Contact Sam: (307) 752-8399