Hammer and Hound Forge

Contact name: Alex

206
Total bookings

Rating

(61)

about 1 year
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

Hammer and Hound Forge is a traditional blacksmith's workshop in Blyth, Northumberland, Uk owned by award winning blacksmith Alex Sowden, who you might have seen before on Sky Arts' "The Prince's Master Crafters", or BBC1's "Make It At Market". We offer a variety of experiences in metalwork for all skill levels, including tuition in welding and fabrication, forging damascus steel, jewellery techniques and much more! We produce kits of hand forged woodworking supplies, as well as tools for other crafts, though our stock is often forged on commission. We also take on larger work, such as forging gates and railings, overthrows, staircases and all variety of ironwork. If you have any questions for us, please get in touch!

Courses, kits & gifts

platinum award

BLYTH

Axe / Hammer Forging Day

1 day

Next date: 13th Apr 2025

5 places left

(13)

£175.00

platinum award

BLYTH

Beginners Knife Forging Day

1 day

Next date: 8th Mar 2025

1 place left

(15)

£155.00

platinum award

BLYTH

Blacksmithing Beginners Day

1 day

Next date: 5th Apr 2025

2 places left

(26)

£149.00

platinum award

BLYTH

Damascus Steel Knife forging

2 days

Next date: 29th Mar 2025

1 place left

(7)

£349.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

6 Nov 24'

Bethanie Lewis reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"If I could give this experience more stars I would! I wanted to book a surprise, unique course for my Fiance's birthday and smithing his own knife certainly seemed like something that would be up his street! Alex was super super helpful from start to finish and honestly made the day so fun, relaxed and entertaining. His enthusiasm and passion for his craft was so inspiring its definitely made us want to come back again! I had first reached out over WhatsApp to enquire about the course and he was more than happy to explain and help me understand everything to ensure that I had the right course and information. He even offered to have a look at any images I might be able to send to check that what my fiance would want to make would be okay in the session. When we arrived we received a super warm welcome and even though I was just watching and taking pictures he made sure everyone was super safe and that I was comfortable and had a great view to watch! My fiance crafted his own bushcraft knife to use when he goes camping and absolutely loved putting the effort and work in to have something super special he could come home with! Overall this was one of the best experiences we've had and I couldn't recommend this course enough to anyone even thinking about wanting to do something unusual and learn a new cool skill! Thanks so much Alex for making our day special!!"

7 Oct 24'

Rachel S reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Absolutely outstanding experience! We did the beginner bladesmithing day for my partner's birthday. Alex runs Hammer and Hound Forge, and is an excellent teacher, knowledgeable, friendly, and approachable. After explaining each step, he lets you get on with it without making you feel like he's hovering over your shoulder. He helps where required but encourages you to make the item your own and supports you in doing so. Loved being able to create something awesome to take home! Thank you so much, Alex!"

30 Sep 24'

Phil, Heather & Ross reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"My wife and son and I have just attended a Beginners Knife Forging Day at Hammer and Hound Forge in Blyth, Northumberland. What a fantastic day! Alex is such an excellent, knowledgeable and patient teacher! My son and I both came away with 2 sloyd knives that we can use in woodcarving! And my wife is now the proud owner of a kitchen knife. Fantastic that we’ll be able to use knives that we made with our own hands from scratch! Alex took us through each step of the process and was always on hand to help us with the tricky bits. Can’t recommend highly enough - thanks, Alex for an experience we’ll remember for the rest of our lives!"

29 Sep 24'

Geoff Brown reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"An excellent introduction to the basic skills and techniques of Blacksmithing. After our first “project” which we were all allowed to go down our own paths under Alex’s watchful eye, and guidance. His knowledge and enthusiasm are boundless in equal measure, I can not recommend Hammer & Hound Forge highly enough."