What you’ll do
over two days
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
You’ll be introduced to the forging press, and we’ll explain how to safely operate the machine. You will then heat you billet up to what is known as a brazing temperature. At this heat, the copper layers will become tacky you will then press your billet together causing the copper to wield to the steel surrounding it, then normalised ready for hardening. It’s like metal magic in front of your eyes!
4
Choosing a Handle
When deciding on a handle, bear in mind that ‘woodwork is homework’ – alternatively, you can forge a handle out of steel that does not require any additional work at home. If you would like a wooden handle please remember you’ll need to make this at home.
5
Finishing
You will be taken to the grinding bay where you will stock remove your knife (this is the process of removing material). After hardening, the knife is then cleaned using belt grinders, sandpaper and abrasive stones, tempered and cleaned again. Here is where your blade will be etched, and the final edge will be 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!
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
The price of this booking covers up to two people making one Cu-Mai knife during two full-day session. That’s right, add an extra person for free to join you!
We welcome groups of friends to come and take part together – simply adjust the number of people when making your booking.
If you’re buying a voucher, the voucher will entitle the recipient to two full-day sessions making one knife.
Reviews
So much fun, we loved it!
The team at Oldfield Forge helped us every step of the way in forging the most EPIC battle seax the day was amazing, we learned a lot and the team cannot be faulted! Enjoyed the beers and thanks for the bottle opener we will definitely be back so see you soon!
Excellent day on the Knife making experience
The instructors are excellent, very helpful and you finish the day with a big sense of achievement.
Amazing experience!
The guys who work there are super friendly and make the whole process really enjoyable! We were there for the knife-making experience (Helen teaching us) and it was just fantastic. We’ve come away with two awesome kitchen knives! Would 100% go back to make something else!
Great day out for everyone!
Staff are super friendly and knowledgable, especially Joe. Blown away by the quality of the knife you can make by yourself. Couldn’t recommend it more to anyone interested in knives and or blacksmithing. From the Knife Family
Explore Our Other Experiences
Meet the Experts
Will has worked as a Blacksmith for many years and enjoys both teaching our workshops as well as forging beautiful pieces for our showroom. Will has worked as a Blacksmith for many years and enjoys both teaching our workshops as well as forging beautiful pieces for our showroom.
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.
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.