Brian took his first blacksmithing class in 2005 under local smith Richard Rightmyer to learn how to make his own woodworking tools. Captivated by the feel of hot metal under the hammer, Brian poured all his free time into advancing his smithing skills taking classes whenever he could. Brian began teaching blacksmithing and coppersmithing in 2012 and has demonstrated at many public events and conferences. Recently, he has focused on the art of copper chasing, finding the meticulous attention to detail it requires to be a form of meditation in motion.
Brian is an electrical engineer by day and holds a 6th Degree black belt in Aikido. He finds many commonalities with the efficient body movements of martial arts and the proper ergonomics for blacksmithing and coppersmithing. Brian has blended the arts to create effective and safe hammering techniques for people of all sizes. s an engineer, he is fascinated by the science of blacksmithing, specifically the metallurgy that goes into tool making. He firmly believes that true learning happens when you are having fun.
Brian Martens
Upcoming Classes
Make a Woodworking Draw Knife and Froe
Instructor: Brian Martens
2-day course: July 11 – 13, 2026
Price: $325
There is no satisfaction like making something with tools that you’ve made. This workshop will focus on forging functional tools for use in the woodshop. Students will start by learning about appropriate steels and how to process them to bring out the desired qualities in hand tools such as durability, edge retention, and sharpenability. Students will then forge a drawknife and froe. Tools will be forged, filed, and rough ground prior to heat treat. After heat treating tools will be finish ground and sharpened as time allows. Students will also turn handles on a lathe. Final sharpening is an exercise left for home, though basic edge geometry will be established in the class.
Who Should Take this class:
This class is open a to all experience levels but prior forging experience is recommended. This is an interactive, hands on course where you will be forging tough materials and forge welding. Some project modifications may be made for those with less experience. Class will make use of hand and some power tools (grinders).
Class fee: $275
Materials fee: $50
Class size limited to 6
Brian took his first blacksmithing class in 2005 under local smith Richard Rightmyer to learn how to make his own woodworking tools. Captivated by the feel of hot metal under the hammer, Brian poured all his free time into advancing his smithing skills taking classes whenever he could. Brian began teaching blacksmithing and coppersmithing in 2012 and has demonstrated at many public events and conferences. Recently, he has focused on the art of copper chasing, finding the meticulous attention to detail it requires to be a form of meditation in motion.
Brian is an electrical engineer by day and holds a 6th Degree black belt in Aikido. He finds many commonalities with the efficient body movements of martial arts and the proper ergonomics for blacksmithing and coppersmithing. Brian has blended the arts to create effective and safe hammering techniques for people of all sizes. s an engineer, he is fascinated by the science of blacksmithing, specifically the metallurgy that goes into tool making. He firmly believes that true learning happens when you are having fun.
Copper Chasing: The Reuleaux Triangle Vessel
Instructor: Brian Martens
Weekend course: August 8 – 9, 2026
Price: $350
Chasing is the art of using specialized hammers, punches, and chisels to emboss images into the surface of metal. From simple to complex, adding chased elements to a metal’s surface softens and dignifies its appearance. This class will introduce you to the various tools and techniques to create images and patterns on any metal. You’ll use these techniques to create a one of kind Reuleaux triangular vessel that can be used as a planter, vase, pencil holder or be an objet d’art on its own. A Reuleaux triangle is a curved triangular shape that has a constant width like a circle has, leading to a pleasing shape both visually and tactilely. Reuleaux polygons have endless uses in architecture and machine design. Other topics covered include annealing, work hardening, patination, and silver soldering.
This class is open a to all experience levels. Students with a meticulous eye for detail will love this class.
Student tips: Bring your glasses or best magnifying readers. Your noise cancelling earbuds or headphones can make many simultaneous hammers more pleasant.
Class will make use of hand tools, torches, and mild chemicals for cleaning and patination.
Class fee: $275
Materials fee: $75
Class size limited to 6
Brian took his first blacksmithing class in 2005 under local smith Richard Rightmyer to learn how to make his own woodworking tools. Captivated by the feel of hot metal under the hammer, Brian poured all his free time into advancing his smithing skills taking classes whenever he could. Brian began teaching blacksmithing and coppersmithing in 2012 and has demonstrated at many public events and conferences. Recently, he has focused on the art of copper chasing, finding the meticulous attention to detail it requires to be a form of meditation in motion.
Brian is an electrical engineer by day and holds a 6th Degree black belt in Aikido. He finds many commonalities with the efficient body movements of martial arts and the proper ergonomics for blacksmithing and coppersmithing. Brian has blended the arts to create effective and safe hammering techniques for people of all sizes. s an engineer, he is fascinated by the science of blacksmithing, specifically the metallurgy that goes into tool making. He firmly believes that true learning happens when you are having fun.