Description
Come along and feel the power of metallurgy and the magic of alchemy in traditional blacksmithing methods. This knife will be a 3" 'full tang' Bushcraft style knife with hardwood scales riveted and glued on for the handle. Day 1 will focus on the heavy forge work on the blade. After a practice run on some low carbon steel I will guide you through the process of forging a blade from a medium carbon steel. After prepping the 'full tang' handle section of the blade I will take you through the heat treatment process to harden the steel to achieve its maximum strength and durability. From there I will show you how to grind the blank blade on a belt grinder, sharpen the blade using sand paper and hone the working edge to a razor sharp finish. Day 2 will be working on the handle and sheath. The blank wooden scales will be glued and pinned onto the 'full tang', carved and sanded to your preferred ergonomic design and finished with a light oil. A sheath will be templated out and cut from thick leather then riveted together so your knife can be carried home safely ready for its new life at your side. Your paired apples will taste all the better, your whittled sticks will be all the finer and your rope sliced all the cleaner for having a trusty tool at hand that you yourself have coaxed into creation.
What's included in the price?
All safety equipment necessary will be supplied. Please wear durable clothing and solid shoes and expect some small sparks and grub! We have a lovely collectively run coffee shop and art gallery on the yard with tasty drinks and yummy treats and we would always appreciate the publics support and custom, but I also have simple tea and coffee making facilities in the workshop if necessary. Pease bring your own packed lunch or special teas if you prefer. The hot forging will happen outside from my portable workshop trailer so please bring warm clothing if cold and waterproofs if wet, although I do have a gazebo for shelter. The rest of the finer stuff will be in the workshop. We are just on the outskirts of town so if coming by public transport it's either a 20 minute walk across the fields or I can come and collect you from the bus/train station. Dogs welcome but I'm afraid I don't have any aprons that will fit!
Duration
16 hours
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Hearing impaired
- Limited mobility
- Christmas
- Suitable for beginners
- Overseas Holiday
- Easter
- Intermediate level
- Father's Day
- Advanced/pro level
- Mother's Day
- Romantic
- Parking provided
- UK Holiday
FAQs
Absolutely! But be aware we will be working hard and focusing on the job all day.
There is indoor space to hang out in the warm and the cafe is usually open on Saturdays, and there is also plenty of beautiful walks around if they fancy stretching their legs!
Probably yes, but be aware that there is a chance that it may not be possible.
If you have a special piece of steel - your grandad's old file for example, then I will need to prepare the steel first ready to forge it. Please get in contact regarding any requirements like this.
Special pieces of wood for the 'full tang' handles or material for the wrapped handles and leather for the sheathes should also be fine.
If it's your first time forging then I suggest that you withhold any specific design ambitions and just allow the blade to take it's own shape. You will appreciate a simple design by the end of the process, and they always come out unique to each maker despite the same processes used.
Let your hand naturally decide the design and shape of your blade.
The 2 day course would be more suitable to specific designs.
Unfortunately not, but with prior arrangement we can sort out a space to park a camper van over night if necessary.
Yes, plenty of parking in and around the yard.
Yes of course. But I'm afraid I don't have any aprons that will fit them! ;)
