Axe Making

Your day begins with a warm welcome and a comprehensive safety briefing before stepping into the forge. After selecting your axe design, you’ll learn how to control the forge before beginning the process of drifting and shaping the axe head. You’ll forge the cheeks, refine the blade before grinding and finishing the head. Our team will discuss handle options and help fit your handle or show you how to complete it at home. You’ll finish the day with the satisfaction of taking home a hand forged axe you created yourself.

Make a day of your visit and enjoy everything Oldfield Forge has to offer. Our brand-new café is the perfect place to relax before, during or after your experience, serving freshly prepared refreshments, delicious locally sourced Herefordshire food, homemade cakes and traditional afternoon teas.

Friends and family are always welcome, whether they’d like to watch the action from nearby, unwind in the café or enjoy the peaceful surroundings of our woodland seating area. With children’s games, a dedicated play area and plenty of space to relax, it’s the perfect place for visitors of all ages.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, meeting up with family or simply enjoying a great day out in the Herefordshire countryside, our café offers the perfect place to eat, relax and make even more memories together.

Our Axe Making experience is a full-day, hands-on blacksmithing workshop where you’ll forge your own traditional axe from raw steel. Guided by one of our experienced blacksmiths, you’ll learn authentic forging techniques as you drift, shape, refine and finish your axe head using traditional methods. Whether you’re creating a practical tool or a decorative piece, you’ll leave with a handcrafted axe and a genuine appreciation for the skill involved in making it.

Please wear long trousers and sturdy closed-toe footwear suitable for a workshop environment. Comfortable clothing is recommended and long hair should be tied back if necessary. All tools, materials and PPE are provided, so simply arrive a few minutes early for your safety briefing.

The workshop lasts approximately 7 hours and includes expert tuition, all materials, professional workshop equipment, and PPE. The experience costs £232 per booking, with up to two people able to attend and make one axe together. Please note that the axe handle is not included in the booking price and can be purchased separately. Gift vouchers are also available, valid for 18 months, and can be redeemed seven days a week during either our 9am–4pm or 1pm–7pm sessions.

This experience is designed for complete beginners and is perfect for anyone interested in traditional craftsmanship, blacksmithing, or learning a new practical skill. As one of our more physically demanding workshops, it’s best suited to those who are comfortable standing for extended periods and using hand tools throughout the day. Our experienced instructors will guide you through every stage, regardless of your previous experience.