Your Guide to Knife Making in the Smoky Mountains

Forge your own knife and take home a truly unique souvenir. You’ll get a useful tool–plus, you’ll forever have bragging rights when you talk about the day you were a real blacksmith! Book a knife-making experience at one of these forges. Bring the kids–they’re welcome, too.

Keep these tips in mind:

• You’ll need an appointment (except at Dollywood). Prices are per participant, not per group. 
• Some experiences have age restrictions, but in many cases, even kids as young as 5 to 7 years old can make knives. A skilled blacksmith is with participants at every step.
• Arrive early. You need time to don the required safety gear.
• All these forges provide sheaths for your knives.

1. Iron Mountain Metal Craft

Located next to Patriot Park in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Iron Mountain Metal Craft offers four forging experiences, turning everyday items into knives.

• Nail knife, for ages 5 to 12, $20
• Pony shoe knife, all ages, $35 
• Horseshoe knife, all ages, $50
• Railroad spike knife, ages 13 and up only, $85. Iron Mountain may require previous blacksmithing experience for some participants under age 18. 

2. Circle Bar T Forge and Blade Works

Close to Patriot Park and Tennessee Shine Co., Circle Bar T Forge and Blade Works offers the chance to create a knife from steel rebar, plus a longer, more intensive Dream Knife experience.

• Nail knife, ages 5 to 11, $20
• Pony shoe knife, all ages, $35 
• Horseshoe knife, all ages, $55
• Rebar knife, all ages, $60
• Railroad spike knife, ages 13 and up only, $85 
• Dream Knife, $650 and up. Craft your own uniquely personal knife at every step, from forging the blade to fabricating the handle. This experience is by special appointment only.

3. Valley Forge Blacksmith in Dollywood

Dollywood’s Craftsmen’s Valley is home to Valley Forge Blacksmith. Knife forging slots are first come, first served. Go to the forge when you arrive at Dollywood and sign up in person. Kids as young as 7 can try their hand at knife-making. You’ll get a sheath for your knife here, too.

Valley Forge offers these experiences:

• Bolt knife, $29.99
• Horseshoe knife, $59.99
• Railroad spike knife, $99.99

Take your new knife back to your Smoky Mountains vacation cabin – maybe you’ll use it to cut up fresh fruit for supper! Reserve your vacation rental cabin today and start your mountain adventures.