Warriors Way:
Warriors Way is the only organization of its type in Ohio, Warriors Way is a 501(c)3 that offers free recreational therapy services to Veterans, First Responders, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Youth. We also host donor Classes of the same type to the general public.
Metalworking/Blacksmithing is the current type of recreational therapy that we offer, however we are hoping to add leather working to the 2022 scheduled.
Warriors Way Grudge Match
3865 S. Dixie Hwy Lima Ohio 45806
Witness the ultimate clash of bladesmiths at the Warriors Way Grudge Match! Brace yourself for a thrilling knife-making competition like no other, where skill and artistry collide in support of a noble cause. Join us on Nov. 10th,11th, 12th at Warriors Way for an unforgettable showdown of talent and craftsmanship. Every dollar raised during this exhilarating event goes directly to Warriors Way, providing crucial support to warriors and their families. Don't miss your chance to be part of this remarkable experience. Get ready to be blown away by the power of the forge. Together, we forge a brighter future!
Grudge Match
Grudge Match Countdown
Partnership in our local community
Taylor Kia of Lima
Community Outreach Event coming soon.
New Class Structure:
We have added new Structure to how Warriors Way Free classes are ran, there will be 3 different level of classes. We have made this change to better facilitate a Better learning Experience, This will help to give Alumni a better overall experience and a better Knife for you to take home
Beginners Level Classes:
during this 6 hour one day class you will learn the fundamentals of forging your own custom knife, learning how to shape your profile and forge in your knife bevels. All Knifes WILL have a 550 Cord Handle, This class is a MUST to be able to take intermediate or advanced classes.
Intermediate Level Classes:
During this 14-hour 2-day class you will go more in depth into Blade smithing, you will be making a full tang knife with Micarta of Stabilized wood scales. This Class is a MUST to be able to take the advanced Knife Classes.
Advanced Level Classes:
During this 17-hour 3-day class your will test yourself as a knife maker, putting everything you have learned to make a hidden tang knife. Advanced Knife Classes are the only class where you may make a Damascus Knife (Damascus Billet Classes just Cover how to make a Damascus Billet Not the Knife)
Donor Classes:
Warriors Way Offers Donor Classes to everyone That is not a veteran first responder or under the age of 18. 100% of donations go directly back into Warriors Way Programs. Donations must be made before the start of your scheduled class.
Class Cancelations/Winter Month Classes
Winter Month Classes: even with the shop being heated, sometimes road conditions may cause classes to be cancelled. Please check the Warriors way Facebook page for any last-minute class cancelations
Current Class/Event Dates
September 9, 2023
Canister Damascus making Class.
Open 2/3
Chris S.
Clark S.
September 16, 2023
Two Day Ladder Pattern Damascus making Class.
Open 1/3
Josh R.
September 17, 2023
See Above Post
See Above Post
September 23, 2023
Beginners youth Class
Open 1/4
Joseph B.
September 30, 2023
Community Outreach Day: Special event for the Allen County Area
Open to the Public
October 1, 2023
Donor stock removal "KIT" Kitchen Knife Class with forged in fire Champion Joshua Fisher
Open 6/8
Erin H. +2
m. cappy + 1
Clark S
October 14, 2023
Beginners Knife Class
Full 5/5
Seth F.
Chad E.
Aaron B. +1
Micah L.
October 22, 2023
Beginners Youth Knife Class:
Open 3/5
Gavin B. +2
October 28, 2023
Community Outreach Day
Open to the Public
October 29, 2023
Wounded Warrior Project class:
Closed to the Public
November 10, 2023
Invite Only Hammer Inn: Induction Forge Demonstrations!!
Open to the Public
November 11, 2023
Grudge Match
Open to The Public
November 12, 2023
Grudge Match Auction
Open to the Public
November 18, 2023
Wounded Warrior Project class:
Closed to Public
November 19, 2023
Combat Outpost Robinson inc.
Private event
November 25, 2023
Community Outreach Day
Open to the Public
November 26, 2023
Tactical Axe Making Class: Stock Removal Class
Open 0/8
December 9, 2023
Beginners Knife Class
Open 0/5
December 10, 2023
Beginners Knife Class
Open 0/5
December 11, 2023
Beginners Knife Class
Open 0/5
December 12, 2023
Beginners Knife Class
Open 0/5
December 13, 2023
Beginners Knife Class
Open 0/5
December 14, 2023
Beginners Knife Class
Open 1/5
Lucas S.
December 15, 2023
Beginners Knife Class
Open 0/5
December 16, 2023
Wounded Warrior Project class:
Closed to Public
December 17, 2023
Last Event of 2023: Community Outreach Day: Christmas Theme
Open To Public
January 5, 2024
Advance Knife Making Class: 3 day.
Conformation email will have class details!
Open 0/5
January 6, 2024
See Above post.
See Above post.
January 7, 2024
See Above post.
See Above post.
January 13, 2024
Advanced Knife Making Class with induction forge. 2 Day
Open 0/2
January 14, 2024
See Above post.
See Above post.
January 20, 2024
Beginners Youth Class
Open 0/5
January 21, 2024
Wounded Warrior Project class:
Closed to Public
January 27, 2024
Community Outreach Day.
Open to the Public
January 28, 2024
Beginners Knife Class
Open 0/5
February 2, 2024
Induction Forge Advanced Knife Making Class: 3 day
Open 0/2
February 3, 2024
See Above post.
See Above post.
February 4, 2024
See Above post.
See Above post.
May 24, 2024
Donor: Advanced Knife Making Class with Master Smith Nick Rossi. Hand forged folding knife.
open with acceptations:
5/8
David M
Joshua F.
Ben G.
Brett O.
David B.
May 25, 2024
see above above
See Above
May 26, 2024
see above
See Above
March 9, 2024
Greene County 4H
Private Class
Class Sign up Form
All Classes are First come first serve, you will be emailed if you make the class or not. All Classes are subject to change, if classes are rescheduled you will be notified VIA Email. All Cancelations will be Posted on Warriors Way Facebook Page!
Warriors Way Fundraiser
Events Section
Below is dates of all of Warriors Way Fundraising Events
Annual Hammer Thon:
March 18th&19th
The Hammer Thon is our first major fundraiser of the year, this Fundraiser sets the pace for the entire year. Sponsor fund help purchase steel, belts, propane and everything else Warriors Way uses during its classes.
Hammer Thon 2023: will be different than any other year, this year during day one competitors will be doing a mystery barrel Challange. Smiths will choose their steel at random from a barrel and then forge this into a blade in their favorite style.
Testimonials
What the heros we serve write about us
if you would like to add a testimonial send us an email and we will add it to this section.
I had the honor of attending a class at Warriors Way with fellow law Enforcement officers. The time spent learning a new skill and fellowship with people with the shared experiences was amazing. I can not recommend Warriors Way enough. Mr Bates, a Army Veteran, has accepted the important mission of being a lighthouse for those in crisis as well as teaching that want forging experience. Warriors Way and Mr. Bates definitely receives 5 stars.
I took a basic knife making class on January 15th. I have zero forging experience and half expected to come home with a hammered on piece of metal. With the help of the instructors I actually made a half decent skinning knife. They were very helpful and informative. The shop was very nice and well equipped. I will definitely be back for more classes.