Step into the heat and forge a legacy with Host Gordon. In our shop, you’ll use high-carbon steel and epic European anvils to hand-hammer and grind your own functional piece of art. Over the course of 4 to 9 hours, you’ll feel the steel move under every blow as you guide it from raw bar to finished blade. Gordon will be right there to help you keep it straight and flat—though whether you accept his help or test your own hand is entirely part of the fun. From the roaring propane forge to the final quench and handle finishing, you aren't just making a knife; you’re shaping a memory.
Experience the Knife Making Process
The Forging Fundamental (Half-Day)
Duration: 4 Hours | Investment: $225
Perfect for those curious about the craft but short on time. In this intensive four-hour session, you’ll learn the essential techniques of heat, hammer, and steel to walk away with your very own handcrafted blade.
The Japanese paring knife is usually offered twice daily, starting at 9:00am and 2:00pm. We offer this once a week or by request. Minimum of two people, priority is given to full day knife makers if the two person minimum is not met, so find a buddy to sign up with you!
The Master Bladesmith Session (Full-Day)
Duration: 9 Hours | Investment: $395
Dive deep into the fire. This comprehensive nine-hour experience takes you through the entire process from raw material to a finished, professional-grade heirloom. It’s a full day of sweat, skill, and satisfaction.
We offer two styles with high carbon steel: an every day carry and a utility kitchen knife. Please see our possible add-ons for upgrading to a laminate steel type and/or customize your design to other template styles such as kitchen knives, camp knives, or a longer blade shape. The Shitoku KV is an add-on, a very specific knife created in collaboration with Kenji Lopez-Alt! Guests may also decide upon add-ons the day of at the beginning of the experience.
Group Discounts-
Book 2 seats and get a 5% discount, with coupon code: GROUP2TAKE5VKC.
Book 3 or more seats and get a 10% discount, with coupon code: GROUP3TAKE10VKC.
The Shop Guest House
Skip the commute and immerse yourself in the craft. Our private guest house is located just steps away from the anvil, offering a comfortable and convenient retreat for makers traveling from out of town.
The Forge & Stay Package
Duration: 44 Hours | Investment: $995
The ultimate bladesmithing retreat. This package includes two nights in our guest house and two seats in our signature Full-Day Class. It’s the perfect weekend for pairs looking to forge memories—and steel—together.
Example: if you chose an appointment time for Saturday, February 14 at 9:00am- that is your forging time, and you may check in to the guesthouse after 3:00pm on Friday and checkout by 11:00 am on Sunday. Add-ons available for custom knives- beyond the every day carry or a utility kitchen knife design in our high carbon steel.
Guests should wear long sleeve cotton or wool (non-flammable) fabrics, closed toed shoes/boots, ear protection, eye protection, and gloves that offer dexterity. Guests should bring a water bottle, snacks, and a sack lunch for full day forgers. Spectators welcome.
We recommend ages 10 and older to participate, with a chaperone to be on site for all minors. The address of Vonhelmick Knife Company is 259 Sixth Street , Falls City, Oregon 97344. Phone number is (503) 480-4016.
“This was an experience we will never forget. Watching a piece of steel turn into a gorgeous knife under Gordon’s patient tutelage was truly magical. We hope to bring other loved ones here so they can forge knives with Vonhelmick. Well worth the trip all the way across the country.”
Guest House
Stay steps from the anvil in our private guest cottage. Perfect for small groups or families, this efficient 13’ x 17’ retreat sleeps up to six guests and welcomes two canine four-legged friends. Relax on your private attached deck after a day in the shop, or whip up a meal in the full kitchen. Whether you’re here for a deep-dive workshop or a quiet getaway, you'll have everything you need right at your fingertips.
Turn your workshop into a weekend getaway. Tucked away on our 3-acre urban farm, our Tiny House Farm Stay is the ultimate basecamp for makers and explorers alike. After a day of fire and steel at the anvil, retreat to your private 221 sq. ft. sanctuary just steps away.
Relax on the massive 480 sq. ft. deck—the perfect spot for mountain bikers, hunters, and hikers to swap stories under the stars. Whether you're here to forge a blade, work remotely in a quiet loft, or explore the local trails with your two well-behaved dogs, you’ll see why our guests have rated us 4.89 stars across 147 reviews. Starting at just $90/night, it’s the quiet, farm-side escape you’ve been looking for.