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Zach Tarbell
Intructor

Zach Tarbell

Zach is a welder by trade with experience in a wide range of industries. Based in rural NY, he is an ABS bladesmith who creates custom, heirloom-quality, hand forged kitchen cutlery and edged tools. He strives to blend traditional and modern techniques and materials to create quality tools to be used for decades in the kitchen. After teaching welding for Monroe Community College and at the Arc + Flame Center for seven years, Zach now runs his own company where, in addition to blades, he manufactures tooling and machines for blacksmiths and metalworkers. He is passionate about collaborating with other local artisans, makers, and tradespeople. In his classes, Zach seeks to inspire students by sharing the functional artistry of modern bladesmithing.

https://tarbellindustries.com/

Upcoming Classes

Introduction to Bladesmithing - Image 1

Introduction to Bladesmithing

Instructor: Zach Tarbell
3-day course: April 17 – 19, 2026
Price: $475

In this class, students will create a small kitchen utility knife. Starting with a section of flat 1080 steel bar, the class will cover forging, grinding, heat treatment, handle fitment and finishing techniques. Students will leave with a finished, full-tang blade, ready to prep a meal. There will be opportunities for additional forging as time allows.

This class is physically (and often mentally) demanding, and the student is encouraged to be familiar with the blacksmithing or metalworking environment.

Beginner blacksmithing experience is strongly recommended but not required.


Must bring:

  1. Work boots/shoes. No sneakers
  2. Long pants, no shorts
  3. Clothing must be cotton/denim/wool, no synthetics
  4. Comfortable safety glasses
  5. Notepad
  6. Water bottle


Class size is limited to 6

Class fee: $450

Materials fee: $25

Zach is a welder by trade with experience in a wide range of industries. Based in rural NY, he is an ABS bladesmith who creates custom, heirloom-quality, hand forged kitchen cutlery and edged tools. He strives to blend traditional and modern techniques and materials to create quality tools to be used for decades in the kitchen. After teaching welding for Monroe Community College and at the Arc + Flame Center for seven years, Zach now runs his own company where, in addition to blades, he manufactures tooling and machines for blacksmiths and metalworkers. He is passionate about collaborating with other local artisans, makers, and tradespeople. In his classes, Zach seeks to inspire students by sharing the functional artistry of modern bladesmithing.

https://tarbellindustries.com/

Register Now

Past Classes