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
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.
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!
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!
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.
Explore Our Other Experiences
Joe is our Forge Manager. He has seen the business grow from a small workshop to what you see today! He has a degree in product design, but his passion […] Joe is our Forge Manager. He has seen the business grow from a small workshop to what you see today! He has a degree in product design, but his passion has always been history. Joe wanted to take the love of making things and his passion for history and smack them together… literally!
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.
Josh first discovered blacksmithing when he was on a trip to Dover Castle and saw a smith making arrowheads and fell in love with the craft. He did his initial […] Josh first discovered blacksmithing when he was on a trip to Dover Castle and saw a smith making arrowheads and fell in love with the craft. He did his initial training at Canterbury College and then his BA(HONS) in artist blacksmithing in Hereford. Josh comes from Deal in Kent and moved to Hereford and began teaching the craft at Oldfield Forge in the summer of 2022. His interests include Dungeons and Dragons and archery.
Ethan came to Oldfield Forge on a hammer course and instantly fell in love with the craft. He originally trained in carpentry and is the youngest blacksmith on the team. […] Ethan came to Oldfield Forge on a hammer course and instantly fell in love with the craft. He originally trained in carpentry and is the youngest blacksmith on the team. Ethan enjoys all aspects of the trade and wouldn’t consider going back. His favorite course to teach is the knife-making experience.