3 experiences

3rd Wednesday of the month, 6pm–8pm A relaxed, social forge night for all skill levels. Step into the forge midweek for a creative escape unlike any other. Our Blacksmithing Club is a casual, social evening where you can hang out, learn at your own pace, and enjoy the atmosphere of Old Pound Smithy — without the structure of a formal course. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who’s already had a taste of forging and wants more, this is the perfect way to get regular time at the anvil. Each session is relaxed and open-ended: craft what you feel like making, bring a small personal project, or choose from quick, satisfying ideas like hooks, bottle openers, twists, decorative pieces and more. The smith is always on hand for guidance, but the night is all about creativity, play, and community. We also offer optional weekly themes for inspiration — from “Twists & Tapers Night” to “Small Blades” or “Scrap Challenge” — for anyone who wants a little nudge. Safety comes first, with a short briefing at the start of each session and a simple waiver valid for multiple visits. After that, it’s all about enjoying the forge, learning as you go, and having fun. Membership & Pricing   Come whenever suits you, or make forging part of your weekly ritual. Pay Per Session £35 per session Great for newcomers or casual drop-ins. Monthly Memberships Designed to build skills, consistency, and community — with perks.  Forge Member Pay Monthly – £50/month SIGN UP Pay Annually – £360/year SIGN UP 2 sessions per month 10% off forging experiences Priority booking Forge Unlimited   Pay Monthly – £80/month Pay Annually – £580/year Attend every Wednesday 10% off experiences Option to buy extra materials at cost Forge Plus Pay Monthly – £110/month Pay Annually - £800/year  Unlimited Wednesday sessions 1 free full-day “Forge Pass” per quarter Free club T-shirt Punch Cards Flexible, great value, long validity. 5 Sessions – £150 (save £25) 10 Sessions – £275 (save £75) Valid for 24 months. How It Works Maximum of 12 spaces per session Online booking for every Wednesday Members get priority access Drop-ins welcome if space allows Small project materials included Larger  projects available at an additional materials cost Why Join? A midweek escape into fire and creativity No experience needed — just curiosity Forge, chat, and unwind Build skills week by week Connect with a like-minded creative community The perfect follow-on to any of our forging courses Members can also join our community group, take part in monthly forging challenges, enjoy showcases, and have early access to new courses — plus occasional social nights and meet-ups. GUIDELINES  Working at the anvil is physically demanding and comes with some risks; blisters and burns being foremost among them. Please seek advice from your doctor before booking if you are unsure. To minimise the risk of injury please dress accordingly, long sleeves are advised, long trousers and work boots are a must. Please try to avoid synthetic clothing, we recommend cotton-based materials like denim. Open-toed footwear is not allowed in the forge. Leather, safety, work, or hiking boots are strongly advised. And please ensure you can tie long hair back from your face. The forge can be cold in winter despite the fires, therefore please check the weather before setting off and bring warm clothing if necessary.   Inclusions What's Included 🧰 Equipment - All forging equipment and PPE is provided, bar footwear. Please ensue you are wearing sturdy boots.   What you'll need 🧤 Warm Clothing - The forge can get cold, bring layers to stay warm when away from the fires. 🍴 🥤 Drink - Water bottle or any other beverage of choice.

2-Hour Forge Taster — Introduction to Blacksmithing A hands-on introduction to traditional blacksmithing, designed for complete beginners and those curious to try the forge for the first time. During this two-hour session, you’ll work at the anvil using fire, hammer and hand-blown bellows, learning the fundamentals of shaping hot steel and leaving with a forged item you’ve made yourself. What you’ll do You’ll begin with a welcome to the forge, a short safety briefing, and an introduction to the tools and fires. Once the plan is set, you’ll learn how to light, control and work a traditional forging fire using the bellows. Guided step by step by the blacksmith, you’ll heat steel, move it under the hammer, and learn essential techniques such as drawing out, twisting and shaping — gaining a real feel for how hot metal behaves. What you’ll make You’ll forge a practical steel item to take home — often a twisted fire starter or bottle opener — chosen to teach core blacksmithing skills while creating something genuinely useful. Who it’s for Complete beginners No previous experience required Suitable for individuals, couples, and small groups A great taster for anyone considering a longer course The work is physical but paced and fully supported. What’s included All forging tools and safety equipment (excluding footwear) Materials Tea, coffee and water Expert tuition in a small-group setting What to wear & bring Long sleeves and long trousers (cotton or denim recommended) Sturdy boots (no open-toe footwear) Warm layers — the forge can be cold away from the fires Lunch or snacks if needed Long hair must be tied back. Please speak to your doctor before booking if you have concerns about physical activity. Group discounts 5% off when booking for 2 10% off when booking for 4 (Automatically applied at checkout)

This is a mini-session designed specifically for our younger members and families. The session is for two hours. We also have one-hour kids sessions available. WHAT YOU WILL MAKE • A small trinket to take home with you • 5% Discount when booking for 2  10% Discount when booking for 4... applied at checkout. ABOUT THE COURSE Whether it's sun or rain on your family holiday to Devon, this activity is the perfect way to spend a few hours learning the ancient craft of blacksmithing.  You will pump the ancient bellows, feeding the roaring fire, heat your metal to a bright yellow heat, and then swing that hammer to forge the steel into a lovely little hook, or key chain (no knives I'm afraid).  Your kids will experience the magic happening before their own eyes and with their own two hands.  Kids must be supervised by their parents or guardians.  Each ticket is per person forging. ACCOMMODATION  Traveling Far? Or just want a night away from home? We've got you covered. At Old Pound Smithy we have accommodation options, however, this must be booked separately here .  If you do stay with us, you will not be disappointed. Try our bohemian-styled yurt with hot-tub, or one of our funky bright and colourful bell tents in Drifters Village, hidden away through the trees, or relax in our toasty straw bale cottage. The evening is yours to do with what you will. However we recommend taking a walk around our beautiful 14 acre site, sit by the lake, relax down at the Tipi, or join us for an evening BBQ in the warmer months. Alternatively our local award winning pub, The Farmers Arms, is a short walk up the road into the village (booking is advised).  GUIDELINES  Working at the anvil is physically demanding and comes with some risks; blisters and burns being foremost among them. Please seek advice from your doctor before booking if you are unsure. To minimise the risk of injury please dress accordingly, long sleeves are advised, long trousers and sturdy closed tow shoes are a must. Please try to avoid synthetic clothing, we recommend cotton-based materials like denim. Open-toed footwear is not allowed in the forge. Leather, safety, work, or hiking boots are strongly advised. And please ensure you can tie long hair back from your face. The forge can be cold in winter despite the fires, therefore please check the weather before setting off and bring warm clothing if necessary.   Inclusions What's Included 🥤 Drink - Tea, coffee and water 🧰 Equipment - All forging equipment and PPE is provided, bar footwear. Please ensue you are wearing sturdy boots.   What you'll need 🧤 Warm Clothing - The forge can get cold, bring layers to stay warm when away from the fires. 🍴 Food - Lunch and Snacks 🥤 Drink - Water bottle or any other beverage of choice.

This is a mini-session designed specifically for our younger members and families. The session is for one hour. We also have two-hour kids sessions available. WHAT YOU WILL MAKE • A small trinket to take home with you • 5% Discount when booking for 2  10% Discount when booking for 4... applied at checkout. ABOUT THE COURSE Whether it's sun or rain on your family holiday to Devon, this activity is the perfect way to spend a few hours learning the ancient craft of blacksmithing.  You will pump the ancient bellows, feeding the roaring fire, heat your metal to a bright yellow heat, and then swing that hammer to forge the steel into a lovely little hook, or key chain (no knives I'm afraid).  Your kids will experience the magic happening before their own eyes and with their own two hands. Kids must be supervised by their parents or guardians.  Each ticket is per person forging. ACCOMMODATION  Traveling Far? Or just want a night away from home? We've got you covered. At Old Pound Smithy we have accommodation options, however, this must be booked separately here .  If you do stay with us, you will not be disappointed. Try our bohemian-styled yurt with hot-tub, or one of our funky bright and colourful bell tents in Drifters Village, hidden away through the trees, or relax in our toasty straw bale cottage. The evening is yours to do with what you will. However we recommend taking a walk around our beautiful 14 acre site, sit by the lake, relax down at the Tipi, or join us for an evening BBQ in the warmer months. Alternatively our local award winning pub, The Farmers Arms, is a short walk up the road into the village (booking is advised).  GUIDELINES  Working at the anvil is physically demanding and comes with some risks; blisters and burns being foremost among them. Please seek advice from your doctor before booking if you are unsure. To minimise the risk of injury please dress accordingly, long sleeves are advised, long trousers and sturdy closed tow shoes are a must. Please try to avoid synthetic clothing, we recommend cotton-based materials like denim. Open-toed footwear is not allowed in the forge. Leather, safety, work, or hiking boots are strongly advised. And please ensure you can tie long hair back from your face. The forge can be cold in winter despite the fires, therefore please check the weather before setting off and bring warm clothing if necessary.   Inclusions What's Included 🥤 Drink - Tea, coffee and water 🧰 Equipment - All forging equipment and PPE is provided, bar footwear. Please ensue you are wearing sturdy boots.   What you'll need 🧤 Warm Clothing - The forge can get cold, bring layers to stay warm when away from the fires. 🍴 Food - Lunch and Snacks 🥤 Drink - Water bottle or any other beverage of choice.

Half-Day Blacksmithing — Forged Hook with Leaf A half-day introduction to traditional blacksmithing, focused on hand forging simple, functional forms at the anvil. This course offers a shorter, focused session at the forge, making it ideal for beginners who want to work with fire and steel and leave with a finished piece. What you’ll do You’ll begin with a welcome to the forge, safety briefing, and an introduction to the tools, fires, and materials. You’ll learn how to light and manage a traditional forging fire using hand-blown bellows before moving to the anvil. Guided step by step, you’ll forge steel using hand tools only, learning fundamental techniques such as drawing out, tapering, bending, and texturing. You’ll also be introduced to decorative elements, including forging a simple leaf form. Throughout the session, the focus is on control, rhythm, and understanding how hot steel moves under the hammer. What you’ll make You’ll forge a decorative steel hook with a hand-forged leaf, finished during the session and ready to take home. Each piece is individual, shaped by hand, and suitable for use indoors or outdoors. Who it’s for Complete beginners Those new to blacksmithing Anyone looking for a shorter, hands-on forging experience No previous experience is required. What’s included All forging tools and safety equipment (excluding footwear) Steel and materials Expert tuition in a small-group setting Tea, coffee and water What to wear & bring Long sleeves and long trousers (cotton or denim recommended) Sturdy boots (no open-toe footwear) Warm layers — the forge can be cool away from the fires Long hair must be tied back Please speak to your doctor before booking if you have concerns about physical activity.

Half-Day Blacksmithing Experience A focused half-day introduction to traditional blacksmithing, offering enough time to learn core forging techniques and then apply them independently at the anvil. This course is ideal if you want a more complete experience than a short taster, without committing to a full day. What you’ll do You’ll begin with a welcome to the forge, safety briefing, and an introduction to the tools, fires, and materials. You’ll learn how to light and manage a traditional forging fire using hand-blown bellows before moving to the anvil. The first part of the session focuses on learning the fundamentals. Working step by step with the blacksmith, you’ll forge a bottle opener, learning essential techniques such as drawing out, tapering, bending, twisting, and controlling hot steel under the hammer. Once these techniques are established, you’ll move on to a simple forged hook. The blacksmith will demonstrate the process from start to finish before you forge your own hook independently, applying what you’ve learned with guidance as needed. All work is carried out using traditional hand tools only. There are no power hammers or grinders. What you’ll make A forged steel bottle opener A simple forged hook, made independently from start to finish Both pieces are finished during the session and ready to take home. Who it’s for Complete beginners Those choosing between a short taster or a fuller half-day experience Anyone wanting more time at the anvil without a full-day commitment No previous experience is required. How this differs from other blacksmithing experiences The Two-Hour Forge Taster focuses on a single guided project. The Half-Day Blacksmithing Experience includes guided learning followed by independent making. The One-Day Blacksmithing Experience includes everything in the half-day course, with additional time in the afternoon for a larger project, usually using heavier stock. What’s included All forging tools and safety equipment (excluding footwear) Steel and materials Expert tuition and demonstrations Tea, coffee and water What to wear & bring Long sleeves and long trousers (cotton or denim recommended) Sturdy boots (no open-toe footwear) Warm layers — the forge can be cool away from the fires Long hair must be tied back Please speak to your doctor before booking if you have concerns about physical activity.

This course is an exciting, day-long course, perfect for beginners and those with some experience, where you’ll make your own project to take home with you. Try your hand at the anvil, pump the bellows, and get the fire roaring as you learn the ancient craft of the blacksmith. \ PLEASE NOTE - we will require design ideas to be sent through or discussed with us prior to the course. This will allow us to determine if the project is achievable and give us some time to plan the make for you.** 5% Discount when booking for 2  10% Discount when booking for 4... applied at checkout. WHAT YOU’LL DO   The Forge - We’re not at the pub just yet…  Upon arrival, you’ll be met by the instructing smith who’ll give you a tour of the forge, provide tea, and coffee, and give the safety brief. The next step will be to review your project and discuss the steps we'll be taking to complete the job in the day.   You Twisted Fire Starter After the plan has been made, it’s time to man the bellows and start the fires. You’ll be taught how to properly maintain and control the raging blaze, enabling you to heat and forge the steel. You’ll gain an understanding of how the bellows function, the teamwork required to keep the forges lit, and how the fire functions as well as the history of blacksmithing and its impact on the world.  Let the Hammer Fall We may start the day's forging with a simple project where you’ll be taught the basic practices and techniques of forging, equipping you with the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to forge almost anything. Having completed the first task, you’ll move on to your own project, continuing to learn and progress.  The Bellowing Belly   It’s no fun working on an empty stomach, so we’ll have an hour to rest and eat. Though if you’re really keen, lunch can be eaten on the go. Be sure to bring plenty of food as you’re sure to work up and appetite.  Visit our Shop We now have an organic  SHOP on-site, next to The Smithy, that sells cold drinks and snacks as well as forged items and artwork in the Gallery section. Flash! Ahhhhhh! The final job of the day, when you’re dirty, sweaty, and tired, is to jump in-front of the camera and show off your hard work to the world! Because if you didn’t catch it on camera, it didn’t really happen. However, unlike most experiences, you get to leave with your masterpieces to treasure forever.  WHAT YOU CAN MAKE • Almost anything... with in reason! GUIDELINES   Working at the anvil is physically demanding and comes with some risks; blisters and burns being foremost among them. Please seek advice from your doctor before booking if you are unsure. To minimise the risk of injury please dress accordingly, long sleeves are advised, long trousers and work boots are a must. Please try to avoid synthetic clothing, we recommend cotton-based materials like denim. Open-toed footwear is not allowed in the forge. Leather, safety, work, or hiking boots are strongly advised. And please ensure you can tie long hair back from your face. The forge can be cold in winter despite the fires, therefore please check the weather before setting off and bring warm clothing if necessary.   Inclusions What's Included 🍴 Food - Biscuits and cake 🥤 Drink - Tea, coffee and water 🧰 Equipment - All forging equipment and PPE is provided, bar footwear. Please ensue you are wearing sturdy boots.   What you'll need 🧤 Warm Clothing - The forge can get cold, bring layers to stay warm when away from the fires. 🍴 Food - Lunch and Snacks 🥤 Drink - Water bottle or any other beverage of choice.

One-Day Blacksmithing Experience A full-day introduction to traditional blacksmithing, offering time to learn core forging techniques and then apply them to a larger project in the afternoon. This course is ideal if you want a complete day in the forge, with more time at the anvil and the opportunity to work with heavier material. What you’ll do You’ll begin with a welcome to the forge, safety briefing, and an introduction to the tools, fires, and materials. You’ll learn how to light and manage a traditional forging fire using hand-blown bellows before moving to the anvil. The morning focuses on learning the fundamentals. Working step by step with the blacksmith, you’ll forge a bottle opener, learning essential techniques such as drawing out, tapering, bending, twisting, and controlling hot steel under the hammer. Once these techniques are established, you’ll move on to forging a simple hook, following a full demonstration before making your own independently from start to finish. After a break, the afternoon session allows you to take things further. You’ll work on a larger project, usually a fire poker, forged from heavier stock, applying the same techniques with more material, more heat, and more time at the anvil. All work is carried out using traditional hand tools only. There are no power hammers or grinders. What you’ll make A forged steel bottle opener A simple forged hook A larger forged item, usually a fire poker, made during the afternoon session All pieces are finished during the day and ready to take home. Who it’s for Complete beginners Those choosing between a half-day or full-day experience Anyone wanting more forging time and a fuller day in the forge No previous experience is required. How this differs from other blacksmithing experiences The Two-Hour Forge Taster focuses on a single guided project. The Half-Day Blacksmithing Experience includes guided learning followed by independent making. The One-Day Blacksmithing Experience adds an afternoon session with a larger project using heavier stock. Each option offers a different depth, rather than a required progression. What’s included All forging tools and safety equipment (excluding footwear) Steel and materials Expert tuition and demonstrations Tea, coffee and water What to wear & bring Long sleeves and long trousers (cotton or denim recommended) Sturdy boots (no open-toe footwear) Warm layers — the forge can be cool away from the fires Lunch and snacks Long hair must be tied back Please speak to your doctor before booking if you have concerns about physical activity.

One-Day Forged Geometry Sculpture A full-day blacksmithing course focused on creating a sculptural forged object using traditional hand tools and techniques. This course blends fundamental forging skills with creative decision-making, allowing you to explore texture, form, and structure while working in hot steel. What you’ll do You’ll begin with a welcome to the forge, safety briefing, and introduction to the tools, fires, and materials. You’ll learn how to light and manage a traditional forging fire using hand-blown bellows before moving to the anvil. The day begins by selecting a set of geometric steel blanks, which will form the sculptural elements of your finished piece. Your first task is to add texture to these forms, a process that warms the body, builds hammer control, and develops coordination between eye, hand, and material. Once comfortable at the anvil, you’ll move on to forging the stem and structural elements of the sculpture. You’ll be taught a range of core blacksmithing techniques, including tapers, splits, tenons, and twists, and how these can be used both structurally and decoratively. Throughout the day, the focus is on understanding how individual forged elements come together to create a balanced, cohesive form. All work is carried out using traditional hand tools only. There are no power hammers or grinders. What you’ll make You’ll create a forged geometric sculpture, composed of textured geometric elements joined to a hand-forged stem. Each piece is unique, shaped by hand, and reflects both the material and the maker. Who it’s for Complete beginners Those interested in sculptural or decorative ironwork Anyone wanting to explore form and texture through forging No previous experience is required. How this differs from other blacksmithing experiences Focuses on sculptural form, rather than functional objects Introduces joinery and assembly techniques Encourages creative decision-making alongside core skills What’s included All forging tools and safety equipment (excluding footwear) Steel and materials Expert tuition and demonstrations Tea, coffee and water What to wear & bring Long sleeves and long trousers (cotton or denim recommended) Sturdy boots (no open-toe footwear) Warm layers — the forge can be cool away from the fires Lunch and snacks Long hair must be tied back Please speak to your doctor before booking if you have concerns about physical activity.

Two-Day Knife Making — Traditional Forged Knife A two-day immersive knife making course, allowing time for design, forging, heat treatment, and full finishing of a handmade knife using traditional methods. This course offers greater depth and freedom than the one-day option, with scope to develop your own blade shape and leave with a fully finished knife at the end of the second day. Day One — Forging & Heat Treatment You’ll arrive at the forge at 10am and begin with a welcome, safety briefing, and introduction to the tools, fires, and materials. Together with the blacksmith, you’ll agree the design of your knife — including blade shape, size, and tang configuration — within practical limits for the time available. You’ll light and manage a traditional forging fire using hand-blown bellows, learning to control heat and work efficiently at the anvil. Your blade is forged from carbon steel, drawing out the tip, shaping the profile, forging the bevels, and forming the tang. Traditional hand tools, including flatters and fullers, are used to refine the shape and control the movement of the metal. Once forged, the blade is prepared for heat treatment. Using hand-powered grinding wheels, wet stones, and files, you’ll refine the profile and bevels ready for hardening. Heat treatment is carried out using traditional methods only. Temperature is judged by eye, magnetic properties of the steel, and temper colours before quenching in oil. There are no kiln ovens or digital controls — the process relies on observation and experience. If needed, final tempering may be completed overnight to ensure the blade is properly treated. Day Two — Handling & Finishing The second day focuses on fitting and finishing your knife. You’ll select handle materials and fit full-tang handle scales, which are glued and pinned in place with brass pins. The handle is then shaped entirely by hand using files and abrasives, refined for comfort, balance, and feel. Final blade refinement and sharpening are completed using traditional wet stones, bringing the knife to a finished, usable edge. By the end of the second day, your knife is complete and ready to take home — a functional tool shaped by your own hands. Who it’s for Those seeking a deeper knife-making experience Participants wanting design freedom and a finished knife Anyone interested in traditional craft and hand-tool skills No previous experience is required. How this differs from the One-Day Knife Making course The two-day course allows time for: Developing your own blade design Forging a full-tang knife Gluing and pinning handle scales Completing all shaping and finishing during the course The one-day course focuses on a simpler hidden-tang blade with partial handle completion. What’s included All forging tools and safety equipment (excluding footwear) Carbon steel and handle materials Expert tuition in a small-group setting Tea, coffee and water What to wear & bring Long sleeves and long trousers (cotton or denim recommended) Sturdy boots (no open-toe footwear) Warm layers Lunch and snacks for both days Long hair must be tied back Please speak to your doctor before booking if you have concerns about physical activity. Knife Making Courses — At a Glance One-Day Knife Making Simple forged blade Hidden tang construction Burnt-in handle blank (finished at home) Traditional forging, shaping, and heat treatment Ideal introduction to knife making Two-Day Knife Making Fully finished knife Full-tang construction Handle scales glued and pinned Greater freedom in blade shape and design Traditional forging, heat treatment, and hand finishing Completed during the course Choosing the right course The one-day course is a focused introduction, ideal if you want to experience traditional knife making without a longer time commitment. The two-day course offers more time, more control, and a fully finished knife, making it better suited to those wanting a deeper, more immersive experience. One-Day Knife Making Simple forged blade Hidden tang construction Burnt-in handle blank (finished at home) Traditional forging, shaping, and heat treatment Ideal introduction to knife making Two-Day Knife Making Fully finished knife Full-tang construction Handle scales glued and pinned Greater freedom in blade shape and design Traditional forging, heat treatment, and hand finishing Completed during the course Choosing the right course The one-day course is a focused introduction, ideal if you want to experience traditional knife making without a longer time commitment. The two-day course offers more time, more control, and a fully finished knife, making it better suited to those wanting a deeper, more immersive experience.

One-Day Knife Making — Traditional Forged Blade   A full-day introduction to traditional knife making, focused on forging a simple, functional blade entirely by hand. This course is about learning the fundamentals — fire control, forging at the anvil, heat treatment, and shaping a blade using traditional methods — without rushing the process. What you’ll do   The day begins with a welcome to the forge, safety briefing, and an introduction to the tools, fires, and materials. You’ll learn how to light, manage, and work a traditional forging fire using hand-blown bellows before moving to the anvil. Guided step by step, you’ll forge a blade from carbon steel, learning essential techniques such as drawing out, tapering, refining the edge, and forming a hidden tang. All forging and shaping is carried out using hand tools only — there are no power hammers, linishing belts, or grinders. You’ll also carry out the hardening and tempering of your blade using traditional techniques. Heat is judged by eye, magnetic properties of the steel, and temper colours. There are no kiln ovens or digital temperature controls — just careful observation and experience. Blade refinement is completed using traditional methods, including hand-powered grinding wheels and wet stones, allowing you to work at a controlled, deliberate pace. What you’ll make   You’ll forge a simple carbon-steel knife blade with a hidden tang, fitted to a burnt-in wooden handle blank. The blade will be forged, heat treated, shaped, and refined during the day. The handle is left intentionally unfinished, giving you the option to glue and shape it in your own time at home. Each knife is individual, forged by hand, and designed to be practical and durable. Who it’s for Complete beginners Those new to knife making Participants looking for a focused, one-day experience This course is ideal if you want to understand the full knife-making process without the time commitment of a multi-day course. How this differs from the Two-Day Knife Making course   The One-Day Knife Making course focuses on a simpler blade with a hidden tang and partially finished handle. The Two-Day Knife Making course allows more time for: Developing your own blade shapes Forging a full-tang blade Gluing and pinning handle scales Fully finishing the knife during the course If you’re looking for more design freedom and a fully finished knife by the end of the course, the two-day option may be more suitable. What’s included All forging tools and safety equipment (excluding footwear) Carbon steel and handle materials Expert tuition in a small-group setting Tea, coffee and water What to wear & bring Long sleeves and long trousers (cotton or denim recommended) Sturdy boots (no open-toe footwear) Warm layers — the forge can be cool away from the fires Lunch and snacks Long hair must be tied back Please speak to your doctor before booking if you have concerns about physical activity. Knife Making Courses — At a Glance One-Day Knife Making Simple forged blade Hidden tang construction Burnt-in handle blank (finished at home) Traditional forging, shaping, and heat treatment Ideal introduction to knife making Two-Day Knife Making Fully finished knife Full-tang construction Handle scales glued and pinned Greater freedom in blade shape and design Traditional forging, heat treatment, and hand finishing Completed during the course Choosing the right course The one-day course is a focused introduction, ideal if you want to experience traditional knife making without a longer time commitment. The two-day course offers more time, more control, and a fully finished knife, making it better suited to those wanting a deeper, more immersive experience.

Two-Day Axe Making — Traditional Forged Axe A two-day immersive axe making course focused on forging, handling, and finishing a functional axe entirely by hand using traditional blacksmithing methods. This is a physically demanding course, involving heavy forging and team work at the anvil, and is suited to those who enjoy hard, practical making. Day One — Heavy Forging & Shaping You’ll arrive at the forge at 10am and begin with a welcome, safety briefing, and introduction to the tools, fires, and materials. Together with the blacksmith, you’ll discuss the intended use of your axe — carving, splitting, chopping, or throwing — and agree the design within practical limits for the time available. Once the design is set, you’ll light and manage a traditional forging fire using hand-blown bellows, learning to control heat and work efficiently at the anvil. The first day is focused on heavy forging. You’ll punch and drift the eye, a process that requires accuracy, timing, and sustained effort. Much of the forging is carried out using sledge hammers, working in pairs or small teams, learning how to swing effectively, strike accurately, and work in rhythm. You’ll use traditional tooling — including fullers, drifts, and sledges — to draw out the blade, shape the cheeks, and form the bevel, carefully controlling the steel while maintaining the integrity of the eye. This is physical, demanding work, and central to understanding how axes have been forged for centuries. By the end of the first day, the axe head is fully forged and ready for refinement. Day Two — Heat Treatment, Handling & Finishing The second day begins with refining the axe profile and edge. Using hand- and foot-powered grinding wheels, wet stones, and files, you’ll define the bevel and prepare the edge for heat treatment. Hardening and tempering are carried out using traditional methods only. Temperature is judged by eye, magnetic properties of the steel, and temper colours before quenching in oil. There are no kiln ovens or digital temperature controls — the process relies on observation, timing, and experience. Once heat treated, you’ll move on to handling. Using drawknives and hand tools, you’ll shape a wooden handle for comfort, balance, and control, before carefully fitting it to your forged axe head. The axe is then sharpened and finished, ready for use. By the end of the second day, you’ll leave with a fully finished, functional axe, forged, handled, and sharpened by hand. What you’ll make A complete, functional axe, designed for its intended purpose and finished during the course. Who it’s for Those looking for a physically demanding, hands-on craft experience Participants interested in traditional tool making Anyone wanting to forge and finish a working axe by hand No previous experience is required, but a reasonable level of physical fitness is recommended. What’s included All forging tools and safety equipment (excluding footwear) Steel and handle materials Expert tuition in a small-group setting Tea, coffee, water, and light refreshments What to wear & bring Long sleeves and long trousers (cotton or denim recommended) Sturdy boots (no open-toe footwear) Warm layers — the forge can be cool away from the fires Lunch and snacks for both days Long hair must be tied back Please speak to your doctor before booking if you have concerns about physical activity.

If you've been tasked with organising the perfect work team building event, and you're looking for truly original, creative, fun and educational ideas, and you are reading this, then your job is done. You can now relax, triumphant in the knowledge that you have found the perfect activity to make the occasion the most memorable for evermore. Congrats! Why not make a weekend of it, staying in our gorgeous bell tents, yurt and cottage, and have a party down at the Giant Tipi in the evenings. For pricing and package deals, contact us directly or use the enquiry form. GUIDELINES   Working at the anvil is physically demanding and comes with some risks; blisters and burns being foremost among them. Please seek advice from your doctor before booking if you are unsure. To minimise the risk of injury please dress accordingly, long sleeves are advised, long trousers and work boots are a must. Please try to avoid synthetic clothing, we recommend cotton-based materials like denim. Open-toed footwear is not allowed in the forge. Leather, safety, work, or hiking boots are strongly advised. And please ensure you can tie long hair back from your face. The forge can be cold in winter despite the fires, therefore please check the weather before setting off and bring warm clothing if necessary.   Inclusions What's Included 🥤 Drink - Tea, coffee and water 🧰 Equipment - All forging equipment and PPE is provided, bar footwear. Please ensue you are wearing sturdy boots.   What you'll need 🧤 Warm Clothing - The forge can get cold, bring layers to stay warm when away from the fires. 🍴 Food - Lunch and Snacks 🥤 Drink - Water bottle or any other beverage of choice.

What better way to bring your colleagues closer together than trying something completely new... like blacksmithing. Learning the art of fire management, forging hot steel and creating something truly unique.  This could be individual projects, or a group project that could take pride of place in the office space. The project can involve real team work, where we teach you to use a sledge hammer the proper blacksmith's way, so you work as 'Smith and Striker'. If you want to make the day competitive we can hold a judging and awards ceremony.  And if you would like to make it a weekend experience then we have gorgeous accommodation options to stay in, plus evening entertainment and BBQs down at the giant tipi. Challenge your hammer skills to draw life from the steel.  You will use a variety of forging techniques such as fullering, chiseling, cutting, socketing, set-downs, and good old fashioned just hitting it with a hammer to create the projects.  You'll also be instructed in fire control, learning how to build and maintain a roaring hearth capable of burning steel, though we don't want to get it quite that hot.   GUIDELINES   Working at the anvil is physically demanding and comes with some risks; blisters and burns being foremost among them. Please seek advice from your doctor before booking if you are unsure. To minimise the risk of injury please dress accordingly, long sleeves are advised, long trousers and work boots are a must. Please try to avoid synthetic clothing, we recommend cotton-based materials like denim. Open-toed footwear is not allowed in the forge. Leather, safety, work, or hiking boots are strongly advised. And please ensure you can tie long hair back from your face. The forge can be cold in winter despite the fires, therefore please check the weather before setting off and bring warm clothing if necessary.   Inclusions What's Included 🥤 Drink - Tea, coffee and water 🧰 Equipment - All forging equipment and PPE is provided, bar footwear. Please ensue you are wearing sturdy boots.   What you'll need 🧤 Warm Clothing - The forge can get cold, bring layers to stay warm when away from the fires. 🍴 Food - Lunch and Snacks 🥤 Drink - Water bottle or any other beverage of choice.