On this blacksmith date, bring the heat bending metal with your bare hands. Whether you’re forging new or rekindling old bonds, come experience romance on fire.
The Background
At Lawless Forge in Sterling, Virginia, you’ll immerse yourself in a craft dating back thousands of years. With countless 5-star reviews and a knowledgeable staff, you’re in expert hands. Come see why companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google and hundreds of happy customers love these blacksmith classes.
The Standout Features
Here’s why this date is red hot:
- Show off your muscles: Now’s the perfect chance to make your powerful arms the center of attention. Your date will take notice, especially if your strength helps them during class.
- Create a lasting reminder: Your plus one is going to keep their first blacksmithing creation for a long time. Whenever they see it, they’ll think of you.
- Stand out: Your date will tell everyone about blacksmithing, scoring you major brownie points with friends and family alike.
- Boost Attraction: Physical labor raises the heart rate and induces physiological symptoms that can enhance desirability.
The Experience
Date Lead Up - Picking an Anvil
After parking, we pass through the front door under the “Lawless Forge” sign. The small entryway displays sample products from each class. I palm an ornate bottle opener forged from a steel rod. Then, I peruse the flower bouquet, chopsticks, and BBQ fork, all beautiful. Finally, my fingers graze the rugged knife sculpted from a horseshoe. This is the one-of-a-kind keepsakes we’re sculpting today.
Date Main Event - Forging the Knife
In the workshop, anvils of all shapes and sizes gather around blazing kilns. Students buzz with anticipation as we choose a leather apron, goggles, and gloves. Once suited up, the instructor walks us through today’s schedule before releasing us to find an anvil. Each cast-iron workstation is as unique as us, but in no time, we find our matches. Then we get the steel we’ll forge over the next 3 hours.
First, I thrust the metallic shard into the fire until it’s blazing red. While bright hot, I hammer it with full force. A battle rages between me and the unyielding iron as I twist, flatten, and bend the steel between trips to the kiln. It may be laborious, but my heart swells with pride as the hunk of metal takes shape.
I sneak a quick look at my date. While wiping his brow, he catches my glance and flashes a sly smile. I blame my flushed cheeks on the kiln’s heat, but he knows better. At last, the instructor says I’m ready for the next stage. From there, I dip my project into the water and the rebellious hiss of the scorching metal fills the room.
Once cool, the staff polish the knife’s curved end before returning the warm metal to my hands. Then, I’m led to a row of metal-grade electric sand belts. The machines whir to life, as if awaken from a profound slumber. When I press the blade to the belt, sparks fly around me like harmless fireflies. Other sparks are flying too.
Date Wrap Up - Admiring Our Work
After some finessing, I hold the finished blade. I’m beaming with pride at my accomplishment, and my date’s face reflects the same emotion. This labor of love is worth it, both the knife and him. Then, the instructor gives us tips to preserve our pieces for a lifetime. When class ends, I can’t wait to bring my creation home with me. First, we opt for another stop.
The Planning
No need to do all the planning yourself. Here are the highlights, though always double check!
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for... | ✔ A few dates in ✔ Steady couple |
| Seasons | Runs year round |
| Typical Hours | Open Thurs: 6-9pm, Fri: 9am - 12pm, Sun: 12-3pm |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Cost | BBQ Fork Class: $80/person, Bottle Opener Class: $95/person, Flower Bouquet Class: $90/person, Chopsticks Class: $80/person, Horseshoe Knife Class: $80/person. Contact them for details on military and NPO discounts. |
| Website | |
| Address | 22611 Markey Ct, Ste 106, Sterling, Virginia 20166 |
| Parking | Free on-site parking |
| Attire | Requires closed toed shoes. Pants, shorts, or leggings are ok, but I recommend if you're wearing pants or long sleeves that they're loose. It can get hot in there! No synthetic materials please. |
| To Bring | Just bring yourself. All materials and safety equipment are provided. No experience required. You can bring light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, but given the activity, please minimize snacking. |
| Contact Info | Phone: (571) 510-0190 Email: sterling@lawlessforge.com |
| Special Features | Classes are accessible to those with a range of physical disabilities and injuries. Contact for more information. |
| Reschedule Policy | Reschedule up to 72 hours prior to the event for free. Rescheduling within 72 hours involves a 20% fee. |
| Cancellation Policy | Cancel over 21 calendar days in advance for a full refund. Within 21 days, there will be a 50% fee. |
The Pre- and Post-Date Options
If you want to keep the date going, we have a cheat sheet to guide you to your next destination. You can visit these places before or after your date. Make this list your own. The map shows the blacksmithing class (purple) and bonus date options (green) in one place. Before you go, though, always check times in case something’s changed.
The Sterling Collective space houses several charming vendors to explore just an 8 minute drive away. With connected indoor and outdoor seating, pick one or sample them all:
- Nectar Cocktail Bar: Taste the nectar of the gods at this innovative cocktail bar. With its fresh ingredients, these homemade libations are a must try. Open Mon-Wed: 4-9pm, Thurs: 4-10pm, Fri: 11:30am – 11pm, Sat: 9am – 11pm, Sun: 9am – 6pm.
- J&J Pizza: Made with 48 hour cold fermented dough and carefully sourced toppings, these pizzas are to die for. Pair with flavorful wings and refreshing beers for a delicious match. Open Mon-Tues: 4-9pm, Wed-Thurs: 11:30am – 9pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30am – 10pm, Sun: 11:30am – 6pm.
- Crooked Run Fermentation: From new-aged beers, coolship sours, and ciders to wines and seltzers, there are endless options at this Virginia-based beverage brewery. With a new beer release and karaoke every Friday, Thursday trivia, and live music Saturdays, you’ll love each visit. Open Mon-Wed: 11:30am – 9pm, Thurs: 11:30am – 10pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30am – 11pm, Sun: 11:30am – 6pm.
- Daybreak Kitchen and Biscuit Company: The West and South fuse to create some delectable comfort cooking. Generously loaded biscuits paired with piping hot chicken is just one unforgettable combo at this stellar breakfast joint. Open Sat & Sun: 9am – 2pm.
- Senor Ramon Taqueria: Savor authentic street style Mexican food based on long-held homemade recipes. Open Mon-Wed: 11:30am – 8pm, Thurs: 11:30 – 9pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30am – 9:30pm, Sun: 12-6pm.