1 When you arrive
On arrival, you’ll be signed in and introduced to the smith who will talk through the course step-by-step and help you select which design you would like to make. We’ll discuss what you want to achieve for the day before providing you with protective equipment and a safety briefing.
2 Firing up the forge
The forge will have been lit and heating up before you arrive, so it’s ready to go! You will get an introduction on how to control and maintain the fire of the forge to a forging heat.
3 Selecting what to forge
Forging isn’t as easy as it may look! Our expert team will work with you to help you decide what to make during the session, by showing you examples of what can be achieved in the time. You’ll be given the flexibility to stamp your own design on your piece, making it totally unique to you! You can see the list of possible options on our ‘before your visit’ guide!
4 Learn a range of techniques
- Forging a taper with a good old-fashioned hammer and anvil.
- Drawing out metal to a point, often used in handles, pokers, candle sticks and the Viking knife.
- Rounding, taking square steel and forging the corners in.
- Scrolling, which is a beautiful example of how fine and delicate blacksmithing can be. Rolling the end of a piece of steel, that is usually tapered for a decorative finish. This technique is versatile and is employed on a wide range of items such as the snail, hanging basket bracket and Viking knife!
- Twisting, another decorative technique to give your work flair. This involves heating the steel and twisting it around.
- Texturing, which is used to refine your work and make it really stand out. You will use texturing tools to planish the surface of your work to make it truly unique. This is often used on the candle sticks and boot scraper.
5 Photo Time
It’s great fun working alongside one another and crafting something unique! Once the forging is complete, it’s time to pose for those all-important photos at our wooden stage!
