In-person course
in Hereford Maker & location details

Damascus / pattern welded knife making - two days in the forge

Damascus / pattern welded knife making

Description

A two-day knife making experience, morning or afternoon sessions are available. The course will cover the basics of making pattern-welded steel or more commonly known as Damascus steel. Knives have of course been made by blacksmiths for hundreds of years. We are dedicated to sharing our passion, knowledge and experience of this centuries-old craft, keeping these skills and traditions alive. Our expert team will guide and support you through each process in the design and forging of your own pattern-welded knife. This package is aimed at those who do have an element of knowledge and do like to know what is included. • Day One is spent learning to make your own pattern-welded / Damascus steel. Learn about the ancient art of pattern welding. Begin by making a billet from high carbon steel, folding and forge welding it until you get the desired layer count and pattern. • Day Two you will proceed to forge it into a blade of your own design, learn how to heat treat it and bring out the pattern. This process will yield a beautiful and unique Damascus knife. This is one of our most popular packages. We have welcomed chefs from all over the world who have wanted to make their very own knife with us. All of our experience packages are taught in a relaxed and friendly environment where you will be made to sweat but will leave at the end of the day with a blade you will cherish forever – along with a special memory and story to be told. Oldfield Forge is the perfect place to start for anyone interested in knife making, or for those Forged In Fire fans who would like to put their skills and enthusiasm to the test. This is much more than your normal experience day! You can see, touch, smell and experience the life of a blacksmith, taking home whatever you make with us. Be sure to dress appropriately, remembering that in the colder months it can get chilly inside the workshop (despite the fires!) We will be here to meet you on arrival where we will get all of the boring (but essential) bits out of the way. Please bring the completed Health and Safety forms with you, it’s vital they are completed prior to your visit so that you are ready to start your day as soon as you arrive. If you prefer you can always email them to us prior to arrival. Excited? Lose yourself in an experience unlike any other … and we’re sure you will want to come back for more.

What's included in the price?

• Choosing steels that will give a good pattern • Making up a billet (stacked layers of alternating types of steel forge welded together) • Use of flux • Welding by hand and using a fly press as well as the power hammer Pattern manipulation by twisting and surface manipulations (grinding or forging into the bar to expose layers) • Etching to reveal the pattern. All your PPE will be provided, so you will be all be ready to start your experience day with us! Oldfield Forge Academy is set in most stunning Herefordshire landscapes. We have Shepherd and Scandinavian Huts which you are welcome to use for refreshments or rest time before or after your experience. We welcome you to bring your own picnic from home or, if you wish to order a delicious home-cooked meal from our local pub, please see their menu and order directly with The Garway Moon.