In the picturesque landscapes southeast of Heber, Utah, Dan Olsen has carved out a niche that combines artistry with craftsmanship at his forge, 4D Blades. Each weekend from September through April, Olsen welcomes aspiring blacksmiths from across the nation to immerse themselves in the hands-on experience of knife and sword making. His journey into the world of blacksmithing began 34 years ago when, as a 14-year-old boy, he stumbled upon a blacksmith shop at This Is The Place living history park in Salt Lake City. Captivated by the process of shaping steel, Olsen recalls a pivotal conversation with the blacksmith who encouraged him to pursue the craft using makeshift tools, a moment that ignited his lifelong passion. "As I was leaving, I said to the guy, ‘Man, I wish I could do that,’" Olsen says. "He replied, ‘Why don’t you? I bet your dad has a hammer.’ That simple exchange led me to dig a hole in my backyard, fill it with charcoal, and light a fire using my mom's hair dryer. That’s how I got started." Today, Olsen’s workshop is a vibrant hub of activity, filled with the sounds of hammers on anvils and the glow of molten steel. The rustic barn studio, adorned with various finished blades and tools, serves as a backdrop for his classes, where students can create their own knives or swords. The knife-making workshops are intensive eight-hour sessions priced between $250 and $500, depending on the complexity of the blade. Sword-making classes span three days and cost $700, offering a comprehensive introduction to the craft. Olsen primarily works with carbon spring steel, a material known for its strength and workability, making it ideal for both novice and experienced forgers. Each season, he typically instructs around 100 students, including couples who can collaborate on a single piece. His classes have attracted participants from across the United States and Canada, eager to learn the timeless skills of blade crafting. One such student, Tess Shafer, discovered 4D Blades through social media while she and her husband were fans of the television series "Forged in Fire." Their initial class, where they crafted an outdoor utility knife, sparked a deeper interest in the couple, prompting them to bring their fathers for a family forging experience. Shafer, now a regular at Olsen's workshops, recently completed a Damascus blade class while her husband learned to create Damascus steel sheets. "The first time I came in, I did not have the stamina to do the whole knife by myself," Shafer reflects. "But it was incredible to take a single brick of metal and turn it into a usable knife. Dan places a strong emphasis on safety and patiently guides you through each step, ensuring you understand the craft." Olsen’s commitment to teaching goes beyond merely imparting skills; he aims to instill a sense of heritage and craftsmanship in his students. He believes that the knives created in his workshop should endure for generations, opposing the modern culture of disposability. "When students are done, they have a knife that’s made to a standard that it can become something they’ll have for the rest of their lives and pass down through their family," he states. In addition to his teaching, Olsen is also an apprentice with the American Bladesmith Society, preparing to test for his journeyman certification later this year. This certification process includes rigorous tests to ensure quality craftsmanship, further emphasizing his dedication to the trade. "We’re not sitting here trying to keep secrets because all of us had to learn at some point," he explains. "There’s been a renaissance in the knife-making world in the last 20 years, and I firmly believe we are in a golden age of knife-making. The quality of handmade, custom knives being produced today is unprecedented." Olsen’s educational endeavors extend beyond the forge; he and his wife run the Starry Garden Montessori School in Heber, where they promote self-directed learning. The profits from 4D Blades help fund programs at the school, reflecting Olsen’s commitment to fostering education in various forms. "It was that blacksmith at This Is The Place who took the time to inspire a kid he’d probably never see again that paved the way for my journey," Olsen recalls. "This is why I love teaching; it allows me to create similar opportunities for others." For those interested in joining Olsen’s forge or commissioning custom knives, 4D Blades has an 18-month waiting list for high-end pieces, which often incorporate materials of personal significance. With a focus on durability, design, detail, and dependability, Olsen’s work exemplifies the artistry of traditional blacksmithing. Aspiring forgers can contact Dan Olsen through Facebook, on Instagram @4dblades, or by phone at 801-824-5169 to begin their journey in this age-old craft. The forge at 4D Blades stands not only as a place of learning but as a tribute to the enduring legacy of craftsmanship.