What you’ll do
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
Forging the bottle opener starts with showing you how to forge a taper for the handle, you will then round the taper and you will be shown how to forge a scroll, you will then put a twist in the metal for decoration using a vice and a tool know as a twisting iron. You’ll then carefully shape the handle around the bick (horn of the anvil). Finally, you’ll forge a splat (yes, real term) and then curl the hook over to open the bottles with.
5
Time for Tasting
It’s great fun working alongside one another comparing each stage of making your bottle opener. Your three hours of forging are followed by a tasting session at Weston’s Cider.
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!
GUIDELINES FOR TAKING PART
Our experience day packages are physically demanding and have the potential for minor injury. Therefore, please seek advice from your doctor or our booking team if you’re unsure.
Be sure to dress accordingly, remembering that in the colder months it can get pretty chilly inside the workshop, despite the fires! Please wear long trousers and suitable footwear.
Make sure you follow the guidance on our website and what’s sent to you ahead of the event. And always listen to the instructions of our expert team on the day.
AVAILABILITY
The Forge is open all year round, seven days a week. Our online booking system will show you the availability in real time. Please be aware that weekends should be booked well in advance!
HOW BOOKING WORKS
Our online booking system is easy to use and allows you to choose a time and date that suits you. Once confirmed, you will receive an email with all the details you need, as well as an important form to complete.
HOW PRICING WORKS
This experience is designed for groups to share an experience together. Although suited to groups, you can experience this as a solo forger or as a couple!
Each person makes a bottle opener. You’ll then travel to Weston’s Cider for a tasting session.
Please note the price is per person and transport is not included between venues.
If you have any questions about making a larger booking please get in touch with our team!
Reviews
A flawless experience I will never forget!
The Perfect Blacksmithing experience! We went as a stag party of 4 and booked the sword-making experience and it was incredible! The team helps make your ideal sword, from real historical swords to swords from tv shows and films! A big shout out to Bob, Joe, Sam, and Theo, the guys were welcoming incredibly friendly, and funny and they even made the beginning safety announcements entertaining! They demonstrated the processes clearly and guided us through the experience, and at the end of the day, you really felt like one of the team. I couldn’t fault a single thing about the whole business. Thank you so much for an amazing day and I can’t wait to do it again!
Absolutely fantastic experience.
Went for a stag do to forge a sword which we achieved through the hilarity and hard work. The team there are amazing, incredibly helpful, professional, and highly entertaining. I suggest everybody give them a go!
Really enjoyed our visit to Oldfield Forge for my brother’s stag do
Great experience day that I’d highly recommend and with something cool to take home at the end of the day. The staff were fantastic and made for a really enjoyable day.
Cannot recommend it enough
Ben and Theo led our stag do making a sword and knives. They were not only excellent teachers with good knowledge and manner but also top blokes. The whole group had an absolute blast and they really made the day special.
Aaron started by dabbling in farriery after getting bored at his old desk job and found out that he was pretty good at it. Even years later he doesn’t regret […] Aaron started by dabbling in farriery after getting bored at his old desk job and found out that he was pretty good at it. Even years later he doesn’t regret a thing. His favorite part about the job is being able to express himself artistically and smashing hot steel.
Ianto has been blacksmithing for 4 years. He first got the idea of being a blacksmith after watching Lord of the Rings. He wished he could learn to shape metal […] Ianto has been blacksmithing for 4 years. He first got the idea of being a blacksmith after watching Lord of the Rings. He wished he could learn to shape metal into different forms and stunning works of art that can be seen throughout the movies. When he finished high school he knew he wanted to go into a profession that could lead him to make movie props. Ianto went to Holme Lacy College and studied traditional blacksmithing, from there he left and found his way to Oldfield Forge. During his time at Oldfield, he has picked up the nickname Ianto Tanto, for the fact he enjoys teaching the Tanto’s and using the traditional Japanese smithing techniques.
Ben has been at Oldfield for many years. He was one of the first teachers and has seen the number of students increase greatly! Ben has been blacksmithing for over […] Ben has been at Oldfield for many years. He was one of the first teachers and has seen the number of students increase greatly! Ben has been blacksmithing for over 12 years and has an active role as our social media manager. Some of his hobbies include Norman era reenactment in which he became a world-famous (now dead) meme.
Eve is relatively new to blacksmithing, but fell in love with it on the first hammer swing! She originally trained as an artistic welder and caster in Florida and loved […] Eve is relatively new to blacksmithing, but fell in love with it on the first hammer swing! She originally trained as an artistic welder and caster in Florida and loved making art that she can’t break with her own clumsiness.