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
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.
4
Forging the Handle and Tang
You will start by forging the handle or tang using a process called set downs to create steps from the handle or tang to the blade, then rounding to forge a comfortable fitting handle. You will then begin forging tapers for hidden tangs and shaping over the bick (horn of the anvil).
5
The Blade
Moving on to the blade, you will be forging tapers for the business end of the knife, drawing out to manipulate the shape and size of your knife, forging bevels, curving blades, and normalising the blade to prepare for hardening.
6
Finishing
Once the knife is cooled, you will head to the grinding bay to use a number of grinders and files to grind a profile and bevel into your knife. Then is the heat treating, heating up your blade to the desired temperature and oil quenching to harden the blade, this will help the knife maintain a sharp edge.
After hardening, the final edge is ground into the blade, for a sharp and practical tool.
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 knife 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 knife.
Reviews
I had the time of my life!
I booked myself in for a “Just for Fun” day and “Forging a Knife” the next day. It was purely, simply brilliant. The team was exceptional, all of them: Ben, Theo, Joe, Bobby, Aaron, and last but not least Henry, are clearly passionate about their job. They’re happy to help and answer any questions and are really working as a team. They show you how it works and explains the process. There is a great variety of objects you can choose to make – loved it and will recommend it to any and all.
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!
Outstanding place!
The wife and I went to make a knife, just for fun of course and we had a superb day. The instructors are calm, knowledgeable and friendly, and are always on hand to help out with any minor problems and answer any questions, no matter how daft they sound. Big shout out for Madison. Great sense of humour, informative and an easy person to trust, even around red hot, stabby things. I would recommend a day here to everybody who wants an unusual and memorable experience.
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!
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.
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.