THOMAS HACKER
FORGED IN FIRE FINALIST
FEW WORDS ABOUT ME
Welcome to the Forge!
I’m Thomas Hacker — a blacksmith, physical science teacher, and Forged in Fire finalist with a passion for shaping both steel and lives. What began as a curiosity with fire and metal has grown into a craft rooted in precision, patience, and purpose. I specialize not only in creating handmade knives, tools, and axes — but providing a learning experience to others that will last a lifetime.
I’ve also spent years teaching middle school science, helping students make sense of the world through experimentation and hands-on learning. That experience sharpened my ability to break complex skills down into clear, actionable steps — a talent I now bring into every blacksmithing class I teach. Whether it’s guiding someone through their first hammer swing or helping them perfect a blade’s edge, I believe in meeting people where they are and helping them build confidence along the way.
When I’m not in the forge, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family or working on becoming stronger and more disciplined in everyday life. My faith in God is at the center of everything I do—it shapes how I work, how I teach, and how I live.
I believe in building yourself—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Blacksmithing fits right into that philosophy: it’s part discipline, part art, and part therapy. There’s something powerful about taking raw steel and shaping it with your own hands, and that process reflects a lot of what growth in life looks like.
Whether you’re here to challenge yourself, spend meaningful time with someone you care about, or just try something completely new, I’m here to guide you through it.
If you’re searching for fun things to do in St. Louis or a more unique date night in St. Louis, the forge classes are designed to be beginner-friendly and memorable.
My background as a blacksmith and science teacher has taught me how to break things down in a way that makes sense — no jargon, no stress, just progress. I’ve helped both kids and adults learn skills they never thought they could master. What I love most isn’t just forging knives — it’s seeing someone’s eyes light up when they realize, “I actually made this.” Teaching isn’t just what I do — it’s who I am.
