Live Forging Demonstrations

Demonstrations are a great way to share knowledge and inspire a crowd. In my personal experience I have found that kids typically enjoy it the most- some kids have watched me for six hours! Demonstrations of traditional blacksmithing add something entirely unique to an event, creating special memories for each attendee. Our demonstrations are done by the owner, Ethan Koch, who has nearly 10 years of experience in both practical and artistic blacksmithing. Feel free to check out the portfolio page for pictures of past work! Here’s some basic details on what demonstrations looks like! Only a few of my preferences are outside of discussion, and I am happy to work with people to reach an agreement.

My Setup-

I typically use tools that don’t need power, bringing an antique forge and anvil, and use hand tools (mostly made by me), to have a totally mobile and off-grid setup which can be taken anywhere and is as safe as possible for attendants.

My Choice of Projects-

Projects can vary greatly, and I am open to suggestions from the venue host. I typically try to choose projects which are fast and can be completed right in front of people. Often times they are pieces I can give away to someone in the crowd. Projects like this include Friedrich’s crosses, small tools, hooks, cloak pins, etc.

Technical Details-

I am pretty relaxed, but can easily get insurance in addition to that held by the venue host.

If I am unable to find an assistant for the event, I may require someone to watch my tools and ensure everyone’s safety while I get lunch etc.

If there is rain on the horizon, I bring a pop-up tent that I don’t mind getting some smoke on to work under.

Level ground is highly preferred. It is not entirely necessary, as we have found a way to temporarily level an area without breaking ground. That said, working on a slope all day is quite taxing.

If my tools are to be there overnight, security is highly preferred. I have packed up each night at events before, however that multiplies the time and labor exponentially. Insurance only goes so far, as many of my tools are antique or handmade and irreplaceable.

If the event is on grass, staking will be required.

Labor Involved-

As far as setup and teardown, if the venue is within a couple hours of driving, setup takes a very long hard day, due to the physical challenge of packing, moving, setting up, and leveling off or securing so many pounds of tools. There are no light blacksmith tools. Teardown also takes a good long day to pack up, head home, and unpack again.

As far as at the event, I typically guarantee at least 8 hours of forging.

Due to the high number of hours spent both working and commuting, I do not charge an hourly rate, and instead charge a day-rate to keep the cost reasonable.

Cost-

I charge a flat day rate of $250.00 for myself and $150.00 for my assistant, each day, including the days spent setting up and tearing down. I also charge expenses, including but not limited to gas and food. If situations are not ideal and require unreasonable labor or hours, or if the event is outside of a couple hours’ drive, additional charges for labor or lodging will be made at my discretion.

As an example, the cost of a three-day event within reasonable driving distance and with an assistant will equal roughly $2420.00. This includes 5 days of labor, $120.00 of gas, and 20x meals at an average of $15.00 per meal (5x400+5x150+120+20x15=2420).

There are a couple ways in which the cost can be negotiated. For example, if your business is a nonprofit or charity, I am open for discussion. Or, if the event is willing to offer a booth space, that exact cost can be taken off my demonstrating fees, if it is the case that I want a booth at the event.

My Personal Thoughts-

I LOVE spending time inspiring both young and old in the community to work with their hands and stretch the bounds of what they can accomplish. It is truly a pleasure to make personal connections and educate others. However, as a business owner my views are somewhat tempered. Despite what people tend to assume, demonstrations do very little to promote an individual business as a blacksmith. This is for several reasons, but one I’ll mention here is that the kinds of things that are convenient to be made at demonstrations are not the type of items I typically sell. Instead, it provides value to the audience, and thereby the venue. This is why I do not do demonstrations for “exposure”, as what they are exposed to is not what I typically sell. This is also why I charge the host, as the host receives value from me which is not otherwise returned in a monetary value.