Forged
Survival
In
Build It, Use It, Survive
Forge Your Survival Knife With 4D Blades & Tools!
We are excited to team up with Dan Olsen over at 4D Blades to bring you an exclusive course!
Learn To Forge a Knife, Then Learn to Survive With It!
Bladesmithing Portion 2025
When & Where:
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Location: Heber, Utah
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July Course - Thursday July 17th
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August Course - Thursday August 7th
This class goes from 9 AM till 5 PM.
What To Expect
It is a full day & is located in Heber Utah. This class is a lot of work & physical labor.
We will cover the foundational principles of bladesmithing including design, forging, heat treating, and finishing knives. We also emphasize physics, geometry, chemistry, and the history of bladesmithing. All equipment, supplies, and safety gear are provided as part of the class fees. This class goes from 9 AM till 5 PM.
This class is led by professional bladesmith and guest instructor Dan Olsen of 4D Blades. Dan is a gifted and talented smith. Along with Dan's amazing skills in smithing, he is also a wilderness skills and survival skills instructor, with a wealth of knowledge in wild plants. We are excited to have Dan joining us for this course.
Food
Food is not provided. Please bring your own food for the trip. We recommend bringing a lunch and snacks to keep your energy levels up.
Water
Please bring lots of water! We will be working in the heat and around a hot forge. Stay hydrated and bring lots of water.
3 Days of Knife Only Survival
Forge & Survive: Knife-Making and Wilderness Survival Adventure
When: July 18th - 20th
August 8th - 10th
Where: Strawberry River Rd, Wallsburg UT
This unique four-day class blends blacksmithing and wilderness survival, offering participants a hands-on journey into self-reliance. On Day 1, students will forge their own survival knife in the blacksmith shop, crafting a tool essential for the challenges ahead.
Armed with their handmade knife, students will then embark on a three-day survival expedition, learning essential skills to thrive in the wild. From building shelters to mastering friction fire, from finding and disinfecting water to crafting primitive tools, this class is an unforgettable deep dive into the art of survival.
Participants will gain practical knowledge in:
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Knife skills and safety.
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Wilderness shelters and campcraft.
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Water sourcing and disinfection.
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Wild edible and medicinal plant identification.
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Primitive hunting, fishing, and trapping techniques.
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Natural cordage and pack assembly for wilderness kits.
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Techniques to prevent heat loss and stay warm in adverse conditions.
Who Should Attend:
This class is designed for adventurous individuals eager to develop blacksmithing and wilderness survival skills. Beginners are welcome—no prior experience required.
We will cover many topics including:
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Wilderness Camps & Shelter in the wild
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Friction Fire - Off The Land
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Water disinfection & Finding Water
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Primitive traps and snares
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Wild Edible Plants
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Wild Medicine
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Natural Cordage
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Primitive Hunting Tools
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Primitive Fishing
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Wilderness Kits & Packs
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Knife Skills
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Heat losses and staying warm
"Thanks so much for an amazing weekend! We learned so much more than I thought we would! I love my knife! Thanks Dan & Kyle!
Paul Langevin
"Kyle truly has a passion for teaching these skills. Kyle's wilderness experience shows in his ability to teach as well as treat a bee sting with natural medicine! He truly knows his craft! Dan was also amazing to learn from and he is such a great teacher!
Brandon Johnson
"I just wanted to say thanks again for an incredible weekend. Both portions of this course were incredible, and Dan & Kyle were amazing to learn from.
Casey Jones
Have more questions? We Got You!
Where is the school located?
We are located in Genola, however this course is held in 20 mins from Heber, Utah. The bladesmithing portion takes place at Dans Shop in Heber.
Groceries, fuel, restaurants, and stores are within easy driving distance back down the canyon.
What is the terrain and wildlife?
The terrain is mountainous with a mix of Aspen and conifer forests. There are creeks and ponds throughout the area. Wildlife includes mule deer, elk, moose, black bears, cougars, and small game like turkey, grouse, squirrels, and rabbits.
Do I need bear spray?
Though your instructor will have Bear spray, we do recommend bring your own if you'd like. We are in the rocky mountains and wildlife encounters do happen. Though those encounters are rare during courses.
Is cell reception available?
Cell phones generally don't get service at the camp location.
There are a couple location off the main canyon road that you can get a few bars.
What type of road leads to the location?
The main canyon road is asphalt and has no issues for even small cars.
The short dirt road to the parking site is well maintained and easily driven to the parking area.
Is power available?
This is a primitive type camp and no power is provided or available on the survival skills portion. Dan's shop does have power and a bathroom
Some students bring solar panels or walk back to their vehicle to charge devices
Is everything on the gear list needed?
Yes. You should bring everything on the list to make the most of your time on the course.
For the bladesmithing portion Dan will provide all necessary supplies, tool, and safety gear.
What if I am missing some items?
No worries, that's okay. We may have extra materials on hand to help out.
However don't show up unprepared. Contact the instructor and let them know what your missing to see if extra's will be available.
Can I bring anything else?
There are other things you may want to bring, such as a camp chair, sleeping pad, toiletries, maybe a flashlight or headlamp, or even a guitar or instrument for playing around the fire.
Just remember you will have to pack it in. Please keep these extra items to a minimum to get the full experience.
Should I bring any cooking gear?
You will cook your meals around the fire. We provide the fuel and a way to get it going, the rest is up to you.
Many students bring simple dehydrated meals or canned food. Others bring sandwiches, or even a griddle to cook steaks. Most students bring cooking pots to use over or in the fire.
What if I don't complete a skill?
That's okay! Keep practicing! There will be plenty of time to practice.
If you need extra help, find an instructor during some down time and they will be glad to help.
What to do in between sessions? Is there down time?
Although there isn't a lot of down time, there will be time between sessions. This is a great time for stories, laughter, and camaraderie.
Some students like to practice their new skills, or get extra help and feedback. Other retreat to their shelters for a quick nap. The time is yours!
How close is my vehicle to camp area?
Students park 1 mile from the camp area and then walk into the course site.
The short walk is easy and not very difficult. The trail is clearly marked, and the camp area located off trail is not far from the main trail.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
We highly recommend students to use their shelters and the shelter techniques from the course.
However sleeping arrangements are up to each student. Most of the time students find a place close to the main camp/group fire.
We can also make a group camp.
Is potable water provided?
We have a small supply of drinking water on hand for emergencies.
Students should bring their own water, and a water filter to use in the local stream and springs.
We recommend bringing plenty of water to stay hydrated, and to use for cooking. Most students keep a case or two of water bottles in their car.
However you bring water, bring plenty! Remember to drink lots of water while forging as this is pretty hot work! Dan has running water at the shop.
Is food provided?
We provide the fire, you provide your own food.
Usually everyone gathers around the main fire to cook meals. This provides a good atmosphere to get know each other and to fellowship.
Most students bring a cooler with ice up to the shop site.
Are restrooms available?
No, this is a primitive school and camp, even when nature calls..
Dan does have a restroom located in the shop.
Is a trash can provided?
No, please come prepared to pack out your own debris.
We want to take care of the land and leave no trace, so you should be prepared to pack out all trash, packages, and wrappers, ect.
We suggest bringing a trash bag.