OUR STORY
Founded in 2007
Vans School of Blacksmithing (formerly Vans Blacksmithing) was founded by Josh Van Noy Master Blacksmith , as a general service blacksmith shop in eastern Ontario that was reimagined in 2015 as a school for trades education. In 2023 the responsibility was passed on to Master Bladesmith Spencer Farrell, who had apprenticed under Josh's tutelage for many years.
While always striving to keep the heritage aspect of the trade alive, the school focuses on initiating beginners to this art and gearing all of its courses to create an inclusive environment regardless of skill. The school started in its heritage shop in Hammond with 1 forge and quickly grew to 6+.
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1855 Hwy 34 Hawkesbury
Our large industrial heritage shop is equipped with centuries old tooling including a working line shaft powering a drill press and power hammer, while also incorporating a fly press, coal fire forges and a heritage approach to blacksmithing. This shop is the ultimate traditional blacksmithing experience. With a large variety of beginner courses offered, come experience traditional forging in this one of a kind classroom environment!
What is Blacksmithing
A blacksmith is a metalsmith who creates objects primarily from wrought iron or steel, but sometimes from other metals, by manipulating the metal, using heat and tools to hammer, bend, and cut. While there are many people who work with metal such as farriers, wheelwrights, and armorers, in former times the blacksmith had a general knowledge of how to make and repair many things, from the most complex of weapons and armor to simple things like nails or lengths of chain.
The place where a blacksmith works can be referred to as a smithy, a forge or a blacksmith's shop.
Blacksmithing is hot, dirty and physically demanding. Dust, soot and smoke wisp in the air and the heat of the forge and metal can be intense, but the end product is always worth it. For thousands of years this venerable trade has fueled society and its many technological advances.
About the Owner
Spencer Farrell
Master Blacksmith, Weaponsmith, Medieval Enthusiast
Being completely enamored with knights, swords and armor since his youth, it comes as no surprise that Spencer pursued his passion ever since he had enough money to purchase his first anvil and hammer at a young age and dedicated his career to blacksmithing.
In addition, Spencer has a desire to share this interest with students, striving to show and impart the necessary knowledge, tips and tricks in a clear and fun manner.
He aims to continue the legacy of the Vans School of Blacksmithing while pursuing his research on the fabrication of medieval arms and armor.
