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- Venueriversofsteel.com See listing Details
Learn to create your own blade at the Carrie Blast Furnaces! Bladesmithing workshops include shop time and instruction focusing on the forging techniques needed to produce sharp-edged tools of high-carbon steel. Participants will learn the fundamental skills required to forge a blacksmithing knife with scroll handle from a single piece of steel. These sessions are led by Rivers of Steel staff artist and bladesmith Jared Ondovchik (aka Artifact Metalworks). Hours & Admission* Bladesmithing 1 is offered on the following dates in 2026: Two-day weekend workshops: January 31, 12-6pm – February 1, 12-3pm February 21, 12-6pm – February 22, 12-3pm June 20, 12-6pm – June 21, 12-3pm Three-day weeknight workshops: November 17, 18 & 19, 6-9pm General Admission $360 *Workshops are limited to 8 participants. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance as we cannot guarantee tickets will be available for walk-ups. Location & Directions The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218. What to Know Before You Go As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit. What to wear: Clothing you can get dirty. The workshop space is not temperature controlled, but there are space heaters in the winter months. Please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations, and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals). Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited. Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options. Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF). Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed. Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218. Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience. For more information, contact info@riversofsteel.com. Learn more about the events such as tours, workshops, and festivals happening at each unique attraction.