Blacksmith a Viking Padlock
Blacksmith a Viking Padlock with Beth Holmberg
Viking-era Scandinavians (8th-11th C) kept their goods locked in wooden chests- the size of your key ring was an indication of your wealth. Open the mysteries of lock making and explore historic blacksmithing by forging a fully-functional reproduction padlock using traditional techniques and skills. Mixing hot- and cold working methods, this detailed project may actually be easier to learn on-line than in-person.
All locks are based on similar technology- this is a great first hand-forged lock for building an understanding of how they work. We will work on a reproduction of padlock found in the Viking trade town of Hedeby. The focus will be on understanding how all the parts work together in this simple lock, and traditional methods for shaping and piercing metal. There will be lots of parts and joinery, including mortise and tenon joints and brass brazing in the fire! And we’ll explore how to make a precision, multi-part piece without blueprints and measurements (like a real Viking).
I’ll work through the lock-making process, step-by-step, in 5 bi-monthly sessions. There will be pictures, story boards, video clips, chalk-talk… and a homework assignment! There will also be time to share your progress, and get some coaching and trouble-shooting, and build some community. The class will emphasize traditional (Iron Age) methods, but we’ll talk about some useful modern short-cuts, too. We’ll also learn a bit about the methods of experimental archaeology, and how to use (and find…) historic sources for forging.
Participants will be provided with a detailed list of tools, materials, and supplies needed, and a 20 pg. booklet to print and scrawl notes over. Materials and supplies (beyond basic forging) are likely to cost $40-100, depending on your choices and what’s in your scrap pile. Plan to put in 6-10 hours of work on your lock between sessions. Expect lots of cold work (filing, cutting, punching) at small scales, some fussy forging, new uses for fire, and lots of tweaking.
Students should be able to forge and heat treat simple hand tools, punch holes cleanly, forge tapers and bend with a bit of precision, scroll round eyes by hand, and have forge welded once or twice.
This small group class is presented in collaboration with John C. Campbell Folk School and Lessonface. Students are invited to attend an optional Orientation and Closing Ceremony to connect with various online Folk School classes.
Class Materials
Students should provide:
You need access to a forge, anvil and vise, plus some basic small hand tools, and specific metals and supplies.
Access the full list of supplies here: https://www.lessonface.com/sites/default/files/viking_lock_materials_and_tools_needed.pdf
Age Range
All Ages
Skill Level
Intermediate
Contact the Teacher
Send a direct message from the teacher's profile page with any questions you might have about the class.
About the John C. Campbell Folk School & Lessonface
Since 1925, the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina has transformed lives, and brought people together in a nurturing environment for experiences in learning and community life that spark self-discovery. Since 2012, Lessonface has connected more than 30,000 students with over 2,500 great teachers for live music, language, and arts lessons online, delivering on our mission to help students achieve their goals while treating teachers equitably.
When
The class will meet for five biweekly 2-hour live online sessions on Mondays at 6 pm ET | 3 pm PT on the schedule below. The first session is on January 13.
Enrolled students receive 30-day access to the video recordings of the classes.
How It Works
Enroll above to save your spot in the class. Lessonface will send you a confirmation right away, and a Zoom link 24 hours before the class start time. You can log into your Lessonface dashboard to access class materials, communicate with your instructor, join the live Zoom session, and access the class recordings and chat transcript afterward.
Refund Policy: To cancel an enrollment or request a refund, contact support@lessonface.com. For 30+ days before, we refund 95%. Between 30 and 5 days, receive a 75% refund. No refunds within 5 days of class start date. Materials kit fees are non-refundable.
Book 1:1 online lessons with Beth Holmberg on their Lessonface profile.
Beth Holmberg
Beth is a CBA- and ABANA-certified journeyman blacksmith and instructor, and a member of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths. She got a chance to live in Denmark for a year, which led for forging for a viking ship reconstruction and trying to make the stuff we see in museums! She has taught enthusiastic students on three continents, both in person and on line.