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 Handling Options
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Handling ServiceÂ
Leave your knife with our skilled woodwork team. We will complete the handle installation and send the finished piece directly to you.
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One-Day Handling Package
Book a place on our one-day handling session. Complete the work on-site with full support from our team.
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DIY Option
Purchase the components on-site and take them home to complete the handling yourself.
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No-Handle Design
Opt for a custom-designed metal handle that eliminates the need for any further handling work.
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!
