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 The Forging Process
We’ll start off by introducing you to the power hammer (a piece of equipment, not a staff member) and we’ll show you how to safely operate the machine. You will then heat up your billet, cleaning with brushes and coating with borax. Once the billet is up to temperature, you will begin the welding process. This is achieved by using a mix of heat and pressure from the power hammer to turn your multiple layers of steel into one. You can then choose to manipulate the pattern of your knife through twisting – you heat up the knife, clamp it in a vice and twist the steel bar. Your billet is then drawn into a bar suitable for forging your knife.
4 Handling Options
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Handling ServiceÂ
Leave your knife with our skilled woodwork team. We will complete the handle installation and send the finished piece directly to you.
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One-Day Handling Package
Book a place on our one-day handling session. Complete the work on-site with full support from our team.
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DIY Option
Purchase the components on-site and take them home to complete the handling yourself.
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No-Handle Design
Opt for a custom-designed metal handle that eliminates the need for any further handling work.
5 Finishing
After hardening the knife, it is then cleaned using belt grinders, sandpaper and abrasive stones before being tempered and cleaned again. Here is where your blade will be etched, to reveal the pattern of your knife it must be soaked in acid then the final edge is applied.
6 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!
