Photos by Luke Kraemer
Workshop Overview
Join us September 16 - 21st, 2025, for Backcountry Blade, a five-day immersive knife-making workshop curated and hosted by Redwing Ranch in Gardner, Colorado. This rustic, unplugged experience is led by multi-skilled craftsman and outdoorsman Will Kraemer of Kraemer Metalworks.
Whether you're looking to build practical craft skills, reconnect with hands-on work, or step into a slower rhythm, this workshop offers the chance to forge your own blade from steel, surrounded by rivers, ridgelines, and good company.
Participants will:
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Learn the complete process of knife-making: forging, shaping, grinding, heat-treating, and finishing
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Work directly with Will in a small-group setting
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Stay in beautiful ranch housing and eat nourishing meals prepared by an on-site chef
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Enjoy time by the river, evening fires, and walks on quiet pasture roads
This workshop is limited to 5 participants and includes on-ranch lodging at the Malachite House (with overflow housing if needed). All meals and materials included.
Who This Is For
This experience is built for anyone looking to:
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Learn knife-making or blacksmithing basics from an expert
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Reconnect with tools, and the outdoors
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Take a break from screens and the rush of everyday life
No experience required. Moderate hand strength and ability to stand/work for extended periods helpful.
What’s Included
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All meals from Wednesday dinner to Sunday breakfast
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4 nights of on-ranch lodging
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Full set of knife-making materials
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All tools and equipment provided in on-site shop
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Optional access to river & ranch lands during free time
What to Bring
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Close-toed boots or work shoes
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Clothing that can handle sparks and grit (100% cotton recommended)
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Layers for hot days and chilly mornings
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Hat, headlamp or flashlight
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Fishing gear & valid license (optional)
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Notebook or journal
No laptops or screens needed—this is an unplugged workshop.
Are you a local? Email us at info@redwingranch.farm to get a locals discount
Will Kraemer of Kraemer Metalworks
Meet Your Instructor
Will Kraemer is the founder of Kraemer Metalworks, where bladesmithing, welding, and agricultural engineering come together under one torch. A lifelong fabricator, Will builds everything from custom knives to tools, attachments, and heavy-duty implements for the ag industry, work rooted in function, durability, and craft.With a background in welding, mechanicing, and product design, he brings a rare combination of hands-on experience and technical expertise to the forge. Will is passionate about building tools that last—and teaching others how to do the same. In the Backcountry Blade: Knife-Making Workshop, Will guides participants through the full process of hand-forging a blade, while sharing practical knowledge of metallurgy, shop safety, and toolmaking. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to hone your edge, you’ll leave with a handcrafted knife—and the confidence to keep creating.