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
Forging the Blade
You will start with forging the blade, beginning with the tang with processes such as set downs, squaring and tapering. On to the business end of the dagger, you will forge the taper onto the blade and bevel the blade, then it’s onto the pommel and cross guard.
4
Forging the Pommel and Crossguard
The pommel is the counterweight to balance the dagger. In forging the pommel, you will be shaping steel using formers and hammers to decorate the pommel. For the cross guard, you will punch a hole in the crossguard and use a process called drifting to fit the crossguard to the tang. You will then begin to shape and decorate your crossguard through a number of processes such as tapering, rounding, splatting and scrolling to give your dagger extra flair.
5
Finishing
Onto the grinding bay to use tools such as angle grinders and belt grinders. Then you will fit the handle to the dagger through a process known as a burn through here the tang is heated and the wooden handle is then pushed onto the tang to burn away a hole that fits the tang, once the handle is fitted, it is time for final assembly one of our smiths will fit all the components together.
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 two people making one decorative dagger during a full-day session.
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 a full-day session making one decorative dagger with another person.
Reviews
A great Blacksmithing experience
My son and I made a dagger each at this lovely place in the Herefordshire hills. The instructors were all outstanding and patient and between them, they made it a fun experience. It’s hardworking but the reward really is worth it. Very highly recommended
Could not be happier with how my day at Oldfield Forge went
The people there were so helpful and patient and after a little visual demo, they let you get on and do what you went there for (we chose dagger making for 2). There are so many other activities to do there. A real must for anyone looking at giving forging a go, can’t recommend it enough. Will definitely be visiting again soon, hopefully for the axe making. An exceptional day out thank you.
A great experience waiting to be had
Had an amazing experience forging a dagger, with my wife. Really friendly people who are willing to give you all the help and instruction you need. Couldn’t recommend this enough. Big thanks to Ben for all the help he gave us and for the chat he had afterward about the history of knives/daggers/swords and even their legality of them! A very passionate, approachable, friendly guy. Thanks, Ben for a great experience.
Crouching Gordon Hidden Daggers
I came here for the dagger making for two experience for my birthday and had a fantastic time. Gordon looked after us for the day and he was hilarious, made sure we were safe, and fixed our dagger any time we messed up (which was fairly often). We were complete novices and we couldn’t have had more fun! The whole team were friendly and brilliant – we’re extremely happy with our very wonky dagger
Explore Our Other Experiences
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.
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.
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.
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.