The True Cost of Trades Education: Why Private Blacksmithing Lessons Aren’t “Overpriced”—They’re Filling a Gap

At Fraser River Forge, we get a lot of questions about pricing. Some are curious, others skeptical. And we understand—at first glance, private lessons in a physical skill like blacksmithing can seem expensive.

But when people ask, “Why is it so expensive?”—we believe there’s a better question to ask:
Why doesn’t public education properly fund and support trades and physical skill development in the first place?

The Bigger Picture: Where Is Trades Education?

In many parts of the world, the public education system offers limited—or no—pathways for hands-on trades like blacksmithing, bladesmithing, or artisan metalwork. While academic and white-collar career tracks are well supported, tradespeople are often expected to figure things out on their own. Apprenticeships are limited. Funding is scarce. And the generational, tacit knowledge that used to be passed down in shops or from masters to apprentices is becoming increasingly rare.

So who picks up the slack?

Private educators. Independent tradespeople. Specialized academies like ours.

We Are Not the Public Education System—We’re Filling Its Void

We are a private blacksmithing academy. We do not receive public funding, and we are not subsidized by government grants. What we offer is direct, one-on-one or small-group tutorship in a physical, technical craft that takes thousands of hours to master and a lifetime to refine.

We offer:

  • High-level technical training for working professionals

  • Hands-on education for apprentices or hobbyists looking to improve their skills

  • Custom coaching tailored to your goals—whether you're preparing for journeyman exams or forging your first blade

In other words, we’re not just teaching people how to swing a hammer—we’re passing on a deep, centuries-old tradition that’s largely been excluded from modern public education.

Understanding the Cost: Context Matters

Let’s look at what other physical skill education costs in the private sector:

  • A full-day private snowboarding lesson at Whistler? $1,255

  • Private music lessons at Vancouver School of Music? $87/hour

  • Private ballet coaching at Goh Ballet Academy? $625/hour

Private blacksmithing instruction is no different. In fact, it often requires more resources: specialized tools, forged materials, workspace safety, fuel costs, and years of tacit knowledge built into every demo, critique, and lesson.

What You’re Really Paying For

When you book a session with us, you're not just buying time—you’re investing in:

  • Access to hard-to-find knowledge passed down by experienced professionals

  • Customized coaching designed for your exact goals, level, and learning pace

  • Safe, well-equipped facilities designed specifically for hands-on learning

  • Mentorship that goes beyond instruction, offering insight into the realities of working as a craftsperson today

And yes—if you're seeking a full education in blacksmithing through private instruction, it’s a significant financial investment. But it’s also one of the few avenues available for people serious about mastering the trade at a high level.

Final Thoughts: Investing in the Trades

We don’t believe learning a trade should be financially out of reach. We also believe trades education should be better supported by public institutions. But until that happens, private instruction will continue to play a crucial role in preserving and passing down the physical skills our society still deeply needs.

Whether you’re a hobbyist, an aspiring apprentice, or a working smith looking to sharpen your edge, we’re here to support your journey—with honesty, transparency, and decades of experience behind every lesson.

 

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