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 Axe Head
You will start the forging process by drifting and shaping the eye of the axe head, you will then forge the cheeks with processes such as cross peening and fullering to move and manipulate the material to its intended location.
4
Shaping the Axe Head
You will then begin work on the business end of the axe, a decorative axe is made out of mild steel and you will only shape the face of the axe, if you are making a functional axe you will begin to shape the face of the axe then forge wield the high carbon edge, this is to give you a harder blade that is better able to maintain sharpness when being used.
5
Finishing
When the axe head is shaped it is out to the grinding bay to use tools to shape and grind a bevel into the axe head using tools such as an angle grinder, if required you will harden the axe with oil quenching. If time allows our team will discuss handle options available for purchase and either assist with fitting your handle or support in how to do this yourself at home.
6
Handling
The last step is handling your axe at home, use a number of woodworking tools to shape the handle and fit your axe. This will ensure it’s smooth and comfortable to use, or simply looking beautiful to display!
7
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 axe head during a 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 a full-day session making one axe.
Reviews
We had a fantastic day out at Oldfield Forge
We managed to forge our own axe head, shape and sharpen it and fit it to a handle under expert guidance. We really enjoyed the day and now have a functional and unique tool with a nice story attached to it to use for years to come. Thanks very much, Oldfield Forge!
If I could give more stars I would! Absolutely brilliant day!
The experience at Oldfield Forge was fantastic! The first thing I did was designed the axe I would be forging, the staff were incredibly knowledgeable and helped me choose an axe design and gave me complete creative license. Aaron one of the blacksmiths was always available for advice and the technical aspects. It was an incredible day, and one I will be doing again, I want a new kitchen knife! I believe everyone will love the experience of creating their own axe.
Birthday Gift
Absolutely amazing experience!!! My partner chose to make an axe ….. relaxed, friendly environment. All staff were welcoming and helpful from beginning to end! We will be back, thank you for a day we’ll never forget!
YOU NEED TO VISIT HERE TO HAVE REALLY LIVED!
A day of axe making was my experience, and I have never felt so happy and alive. Fire, steel, hammers, and great big belly laughs were the course of the day. I can’t wait to go back and make my life even better.
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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.
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.
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!
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.