F.A.Q.
WHAT ARE THE AGE RECOMMENDATIONS?
​ We do make recommendations for minimum age, which varies, based on length and challenge of experience. 6 year olds can forge a rune pendant or hair pin with the assistance of a parent or guardian. Magic wands and horseshoe knives are perfect for 9 years and up with the assistance of a parent or guardian. 12 years and over can make railroad spike knives and daggers with the presence of a parent or guardian.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?
Cash, Credit Cards and indentured servitude - kidding about that, but if you do want to work for us, give us a call - we're always interviewing.
Please Note: Deposits for extended experiences, group bookings, and classes are non-refundable. Deposits can be transferred to a different date or time depending on availability.
HOW LONG UNTIL I LEAVE WITH MY FINISHED PIECE?
All pieces will be returned by the end of the Business day. We do take your telephone number and text or call when your item is ready. Just make sure that you come back before the we close for the day to pick up your finished items.
WHY DO I NEED TO COME EARLY?
​ Our goal is to stay on schedule and part of how we do that is getting our sessions all checked in before that time slots starts. It does take a few minutes for each person to chose their upgrades, pay, sign the waiver, and get queued up. We run our sessions European style, which means we combine up to 4 people at a time. Our legal department requires each person to have an active waiver each time they participate.
DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH BLACKSMITHING?
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Closed toed shoes are recommended, though we do have leather foot coverings if you aren't wearing shoes with enough coverage. Pants provide great coverage but you are free to wear shorts. Layers are encouraged, while the weather outside can be unpredictable, the forge area is consistently pretty warm. Be prepared with a light t-shirt as a base layer. Clothing made from 100% cotton is preferred. Some clothing (especially poly based clothing (and nylon) may require a leather apron. You will be provided with safety glasses unless you wear prescription glasses.
CAN I MAKE SOMETHING NOT ON THE MENU?
Yes! The best way to do this is to sign up for an Open Forge session. Open Forge sessions are by appointment only and based on availability. We like to venture out of the routine and try to accommodate as much as possible. We do have limitations so it's best to call ahead and check with us to specifically schedule a custom request when we can appropriately handle it. We reserve the right to deny any request.
An appointment is never required but it always recommended! While we take walk-ins when we can, we can never guarantee a spot without an appointment. We definitely recommend making an appointment for weekends, holidays, parties of 6 or more anytime, and special events in Frankenmuth. We recommend to reserve a couple of weeks out from your planned trip.
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Specialty classes, such as Damascus, Sword and Axe classes require an appointment with non-refundable deposit and are not available on a walk-in basis.
Start with the basics! We offer introductory skills classes that require no experience. We provide all tools, machinery and materials. Book online or call our shop. When you are ready for more, allow yourself some time to tinker around. We offer Open Forge time so that you can spread your wings. Ready to set up shop at home? We sell affordable, US made forges and reference books, check our Shop page for more details. Don't live nearby? Find a group or a guild. Nearly every state has a noteworthy blacksmithing group of knowledgable smiths. If you are having trouble locating one, give us a call, we know smiths just about everywhere. Want more? Check out our blog! We are compiling articles, videos, products and more.
CAN I BRING MY OWN STEEL?
We do not allow for unknown steel during our experiences for both safety and quality reasons. Depending on the schedule and if you are able to verify the metal type, we occasionally make an exception if we are able to verify the requested material. Please call us to talk us through any special requests. We are happy to work with you if possible.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY SMITH?
Want to make sure the team that provided your adventure are properly compensated? Much like most service-industry workers, our team depends on gratuity. The smiths do work hard and stand in a lot of heat all day, but tipping your smith goes well beyond the hammer. The crew splits tips shop wide because it takes all of us being on point to bring you a good experience. The grinders, for instance, make your pieces look really nice but they don't get to interact with you and they are an integral part of your finished piece. So when you "toss a coin to your smithy" you're really tossing a coin to us all and we really appreciate it! As with restaurants, tipping between 15 percent (for average service) and 20 percent (for very good service) is suggested and appreciated.
Didn't find what you are looking for?
No problem, give us a call at (989) 721-4604 or email us at bavarianblacksmithexp@gmail.com.