Damascus/Pattern Welded Knife Making
£ 495.00 per knife
A two-day knife making experience
All of our vouchers are valid for 18 months from the date of purchase, with the Forge remaining open 7 days a week under Covid-19 restrictions.
Our Damascus Knife Making is a two-day experience that will cover the basics of making pattern-welded steel or more commonly known as Damascus steel. Knives have of course been made by blacksmiths for hundreds of years. We are dedicated to sharing our passion, knowledge and experience of this centuries-old craft, keeping these skills and traditions alive. Our expert team will guide and support you through each process in the design and forging of your own pattern-welded knife.
This package is aim at those who do have an element of knowledge and do like to know what is included.
Day One is spent learning to make your own pattern-welded / Damascus steel. Learn about the ancient art of pattern welding. Begin by making a billet from high carbon steel, folding and forge welding it until you get the desired layer count and pattern.
Day Two you will proceed to forge it into a blade of your own design, learn how to heat treat it and bring out the pattern. This process will yield a beautiful and unique Damascus knife.
Breakdown of What is Included:
- Choosing steels that will give a good pattern
- Making up a billet (stacked layers of alternating types of steel forge welded together)
Use of flux - Welding by hand and using a fly press as well as the power hammer
- Pattern manipulation by twisting and surface manipulations (grinding or forging into the bar to expose layers)
- Etching to reveal the pattern
This is one of our most popular packages. We have welcomed chefs from all over the world who have wanted to make their very own knife with us. All of our experience packages are taught in a relaxed and friendly environment where you will be made to sweat but will leave at the end of the day with a blade you will cherish forever – along with a special memory and story to be told.
Oldfield Forge is the perfect place to start for anyone interested in knife making, or for those Forged In Fire fans who would like to put their skills and enthusiasm to the test.
Available for two people to work together to make one blade. If you wish to make two blades, then a further voucher will be required.
This is much more than your normal experience day! You can see, touch, smell and experience the life of a blacksmith, taking home whatever you make with us. Be sure to dress appropriately, remembering that in the colder months it can get chilly inside the workshop (despite the fires!) We will be here to meet you on arrival where we will get all of the boring (but essential) bits out of the way. Please bring the completed Health and Safety forms with you, it’s vital they are completed prior to your visit so that you are ready to start your day as soon as you arrive. If you prefer you can always email them to us prior to arrival. All your PPE will be provided, so you will be all be ready to start your experience day with us! Oldfield Forge Academy is set in most stunning Herefordshire landscapes. We have Shepherd and Scandinavian Huts which you are welcome to use for refreshments or rest time before or after your experience. We welcome you to bring your own picnic from home or, if you wish to order a delicious home-cooked meal from our local pub, please see our menu and order directly with The Garway Moon.
Excited? Lose yourself in an experience unlike any other … and we’re sure you will want to come back for more.
Oldfield Forge Academy is located just outside the Cathedral city of Hereford in beautiful rolling countryside. Sat-nav will usually bring you directly to the Forge. However, on the odd occasion it doesn’t take you directly to our door, please enter ‘Garway Hill’. This should then direct you to the correct road. Keep a look out for our ‘Key’ logo signs too. View Oldfield Forge on a map.
At Oldfield Forge we believe in working with local businesses in order to offer you even more for your day. If you would like to learn more about what we can offer you in our area, please visit our blog for our local attraction activities. We have also built good relationships with surrounding campsites, B&B’s and hotels and have put together a list of the accommodation we recommend.
If you let us know what you are looking for we will be happy to send our suggestions.
We’ve been running our Experience Days for over a decade and at the time of writing we have had no accidents or injuries. Safety is our number one concern, closely followed by ensuring we give you a hands-on experience. All our blacksmiths have 100% focus on you at all times and we ask for equal respect for the advice they give. You will have a thorough briefing on arrival and be provided with the protective equipment you need.
Once you are in the Forge you will be shaping, hammering and moving very hot metal. During your Experience you are the blacksmith … but you’ll be reassured to know you will always be under the watchful eye of our own blacksmiths who are there to anticipate and prevent issues so you can relax and enjoy learning your new skills.
We tailor the day to suit each and every one of our guests.
Our friendly team will support you through your time as a blacksmith, promising to add charm and laughter in a very relaxed environment.
During your time with us you can choose to work to either work together and make something for the home or garden or, if you prefer, compete to see which of you is the best blacksmith. This package is ideal for a stress-free couples date!
The day is promised to bring lots of laughter and fun, making it the perfect way to spend time together!
Our Experience Days can be arranged to fit into a short away-break that will make the perfect gift for any occasion, be it a delightful romantic getaway or an awesome day out. We provide gift experiences to suit everyone.
After your blacksmithing experience with us (or indeed before if you have an afternoon booking), you can enjoy lunch in our woodland area or in our Scandinavian hut. Our local family-run pub delivers home-cooked meals all individually put together. There is a further charge for this. Alternatively, you are more than welcome to bring your own picnic lunch from home.
The beautiful rural location of the forge will make for an utterly unique and unforgettable day that you will be talking about for years to come!
