In-person course
in Birchington Maker & location details

Crafting a Bearded Axe or Belt axe at Bearded Pig Forge

Description

An axe making course is a fantastic way to learn about an ancient craft and create a tool that will last a lifetime. Over this two day course you will learn the basics of forging as well as the more advanced techniques of punching and drifting the axes eye as well as isolating mass and steel movement. Once the axe is forged as close as possible to shape we will heat treat and talk about the science and workings of why we do this and then it's over to the belt grinders to refine a final edge, the last step is to shape the handle and fit it to your axe!

What's included in the price?

All materials and PPE included.

Duration

2 days

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Bearded pig forge

with Craft Courses since 2018

Message the tutor

Suitable for

Adults
Intermediate level
Mother's Day
Romantic
Public transport
Christmas
Parking provided
Father's Day

What does this mean?

Message the tutor

Venue

Quex Park, , Birchington, Kent, CT7 0BH

Reviews

All maker's reviews

16 Oct 23'

Simon reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Fantastic day spent with Spike, who is a patient and knowledgeable tutor. Great to come away with a finished piece of work too. Would thoroughly recommend."

10 Jul 23'

Brad reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Spike is a great teacher, really good at demonstrating and explaining before letting you get stuck in. I thought the course was very accessible and brilliant fun. Would recommend! "

10 Apr 23'

Brett Osborne reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"What an excellent day! Get yourself behind a hammer, in a very hot room full of sparks flying around,... and make yourself a Viking knife! Spike is a very helpful & knowledgeable instructor. He was on hand all day for tutoring, safety and advice on fixing mistakes when we didn't listen! Thanks for a great day Spike. "

3 Apr 23'

Liz reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Brilliant workshop, Spike is a great teacher, very knowledgeable. Had alot of laughs, learnt new skills and some physics to boot! Highly recommend!"

1 Apr 23'

Sarah reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"If you're looking for something a bit different and like to take something away at the end of the course, then this is going to be right up your street. Me and my husband went along to this, as we wanted something we could both get enthusiastic about, and basket weaving wasn't going to tick that box. Also bear in mind I'm 5 foot 2, and don't really have a lot in the way of muscles, but even I was able to do this. I did need some help with the hammering as I didn't quite have the clout at times, but Spike was able to help when I needed it, and I was never made to feel that it was too much trouble. And talking of Spike, he is an amazingly patient instructor, he talks you through it all at a pace that works, and then is on hand if things go a bit off -track. Nothing is too much trouble and he is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about his craft. Well worth a go if you fancy something that's fun with a bit of danger. "

13 Mar 23'

Mark Gregory reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"We had a great day at The Bearded Pig forge. Spike is an excellent tutor, he kept us entertained with his knowledge and stories. Highly recommended experience, thanks Spike"

1 Aug 22'

Richard reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"This was a fantastic introduction to blacksmithing, with Spike being a patient and empathetic tutor. It is hot and strenuous work. The day goes by really quickly. Spike is helpful, and in no way patronising to clearly struggling beginners (me!), and, at the end of the day, you leave with a functioning product. I'd recommend this course to anyone (but maybe consider going when the climate outside is slightly cooler!)"

28 Jun 22'

Joel McNamara reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"To start I must say I had a fantastic day and had the aches in my arms the following day. Spike was informative took me through the stages step by step and then watched and advised as I progressed through the day. I have already recommended this as an experience to some friends and family and I will probably join them."

11 Apr 22'

Mike reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"What a wonderful day making a Viking knife. Spike is a born teacher - very knowledgeable with an outstanding manner. His knowledge and clear enthusiasm for his craft come shining through and he is obviously delighted to pass it on and share it with others. He gives a thorough safety briefing at the beginning and during the course and keeps a careful, albeit, unobtrusive eye on his participants. I would have no hesitation in recommending this course and any others that Spike offers to someone who would enjoy an experience with a difference."

11 Apr 22'

Bill Warrilow reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"I was gifted the 2 day bladesmithing course as a retirement gift by my colleagues- how well they know me! Spike proved to be an excellent teacher - his gentle and encouraging manner, with plenty of humour, made for a brilliant learning experience. I now have a beautiful traditional Seax belt knife to use and treasure! I came to the class with all sorts of ideas and Spike patiently helped me to craft something that is astonishingly close to what I dreamed of - I will certainly join him for another workshop in the future. His setup here at birchington is delightful and I can only thank him for a “5 star experience “!"

5 Apr 22'

Nick reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Had a fantastic day making a Viking knife. Spike is a great teacher, gave good clear instructions and was always supportive and helpful when needed. Spikes clear safety instructions and technical demonstrations made it simple enough for even myself to make a decent knife without injury. Thinking of doing a two day course now as I had so much fun. This maybe the start of a new hobby."

17 Jan 22'

Mike Walters reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"This was an excellent well run course by Spike. A day to make a forged Viking knife. Spike is great teacher and I would highly recommend the course."

17 Jan 22'

Han reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"A fantastic day all round. From the moment we arrived Spike was welcoming and informative, with clear instructions through demonstration of each step and patience as he guided us through the construction of our own items. At the start we were told it’ll be the best form of therapy, well… bashing metal with a hammer all day is surprisingly therapeutic! Having never done anything like this before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but by the end of the day both myself and my dad felt really proud of the items we’d made, and gave us renewed respect for the skills and stamina involved. We thoroughly enjoyed being so engrossed in the project and seeing it evolve over the course of the day and will be recommending it to everyone we know!"

17 Jan 22'

Mark sawyer reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Really really exceeded all my expectations. Great, interesting and patient (!) teacher. Couldn’t recommend this highly enough"

25 Oct 21'

Tom Joy reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Bearded Pig Forge is tucked away in a lovely spot, which felt ideal as a location to get away to and make something by hand in this method. I did the one day course, making a viking knife and it was an excellent start for someone who has never crafted metal work before. Spike was a great teacher in every way. Super patient, very clear with directions and ready to help whilst also instilling confidence in us to learn the process through the trials and errors we could afford. I was delighted with the results and it's brilliant to be able to make a functional knife that I can use in the kitchen daily. I'd highly recommend this course and Spike to anyone! I hope I can go back and learn some more some time!"

6 Oct 21'

Josh reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"First of all the information email received before arrival got me to exactly where I needed to be no trouble! Secondly Spike is a wicked guy! Welcoming, talkative and funny! Throughout the day we had demonstrations step by step on how to complete our work. While working he is not overbearing but will help show you correct any hiccups along the way! By the end of the day I walked away with a massive sense of accomplishment, an experience I’ll never forget and a potential new hobby! But always remember FIRE HOT!"

Have you done this course?

More from this maker

All listings

platinum award

Birchington

Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

7 hours

Next date: 12th Jan 2025

(55)

£150.00

platinum award

Birchington

Basic Blacksmithing at Bearded Pig Forge

7 hours

Next date: 9th Mar 2025

£150.00

platinum award

Birchington

Creating A Kitchen or Bushcraft knife at Bearded Pig Forge

2 days

Next date: 15th Feb 2025

£300.00

Similar courses, kits, live classes and online workshops in:

South East

Crafting a Bearded Axe or Belt axe at Bearded Pig Forge

Description

What's included in the price?

Duration

Cancellation policy

Maker

Bearded pig forge

Suitable for

Venue

Price:

Duration:

Time:

Next available date:

Reviews

Simon reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Brad reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Brett Osborne reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Liz reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Sarah reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Mark Gregory reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Richard reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Joel McNamara reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Mike reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Bill Warrilow reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Nick reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Mike Walters reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Han reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Mark sawyer reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Tom Joy reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Josh reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

Have you done this course?

More from this maker

Similar courses, kits, live classes and online workshops in: