Entry No. 54 — the Des Moines file — filed under: hands-on

Malone Forgotten Arts (Greg Malone Blacksmithing)

Greg Malone has taught blacksmithing out of his Des Moines home forge since 1984 and also dabbles in flintknapping and scrimshaw. Introductory classes start around $100 for a three-hour fast-paced session covering safety, basic metallurgy, annealing, heat treating, tempering, and hammer technique. Class size is capped at two people at a time, so a couple essentially gets private, one-on-one instruction at the anvil. You learn to identify and work 'found' metals and leave having actually moved hot steel.

The move: Stand side by side at the forge heating steel cherry-red, then take turns hammering it into a hook or simple tool while Greg coaches your swing.

📍 Before you go Held at Greg's home forge by appointment (call 515-650-3208); classes are limited to two people, so book ahead and confirm dates directly.

• 📍 South Des Moines
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 1675 E Diehl Ave, Des Moines, IA 50320

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-23