Blacksmithing Experience Days in Stroud, Cotswolds

Hands-on forging experiences where you work with real fire, real steel, and leave with something you made yourself — guided by an experienced blacksmith in a small-group setting.

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Small groups • Real forge • Expert guidance included
British Artist Blacksmiths Association
Heritage Crafts

Blacksmithing & Knife Making Experience Days

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Small group experiencesLimited places available

These are the experience days people come back for — hands-on, beginner-friendly, and often fully booked months ahead. Choose your experience, check availability, and step into the forge.

Trusted by People Who've Experienced It Firsthand

Real words from people who stepped into the forge.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Absolutely incredible experience. Mike is a brilliant teacher and the forge is amazing. Left with a knife I'm genuinely proud of.
James T.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Bought this as a gift for my husband — he hasn't stopped talking about it. The perfect present for someone who has everything.
David R.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I had zero experience and was a bit nervous, but the guidance was fantastic. Such a unique and memorable day.
Sarah M.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The atmosphere, the skill, the patience — everything was spot on. Already planning my next visit.
Emma L.
“You don’t watch this experience. You live it.”
Mike Gracia, Soulful Iron

Find Your Place at the Forge

Everyone arrives for a different reason: curiosity, a gift, a challenge, or a shared experience. Take a moment to see what brings you to the fire.

For Beginners & First - Timers

Step into the forge and learn the fundamentals of traditional blacksmithing: hands-on, beginner-friendly, and deeply satisfying.

For beginners & hobbyists

For Gift Buyers

A gift that's felt, not unwrapped. Real fire, real steel, and a memory that lasts far longer than things.

Perfect for gifting

For Custom Commissions

One-of-a-kind knives and ironwork, forged to order with care, skill, and intention.

Custom work

Groups & Teams

Unforgettable shared experiences for groups and couples. Creative, active, and perfect for birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and team building.

Groups & corporate

Explore the most popular experiences and gift options below.

Give an Unforgettable Experience

Not sure which date to choose? Our gift vouchers let them decide — delivered instantly and redeemable against any experience day.

Instant email delivery
Valid for 12 months
No date selection required
Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, or last-minute gifts.

How Your Experience Works

Choose your experience and date

Pick from our blacksmithing or knife making days

Join us at the forge in Stroud

We'll guide you through every step

Leave with something you made yourself

A piece forged by your own hands
No experience needed. All tools, materials, and expert guidance included.
Book an Experience

Real People. Real Creations.

The Soul Behind the Iron — Mike Gracia

Every course is hands-on, personal, and designed so anyone can create something meaningful — regardless of their experience level.

Soulful Iron was founded by Mike Gracia, a traditional blacksmith who believes craftsmanship should be experienced, not just observed.

Real forge. Real craft. Real guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the knife making experience?
Our knife making workshop runs from 10:30am to approximately 5pm. It’s a full day of hands-on knife forging where you’ll complete your own Viking-style blade from start to finish. If you need a little extra time to perfect your knife, we’re happy to stay a bit longer within reason.
Do I need any experience for the knife making class?
No experience necessary! Our knife forging experience is designed for complete beginners. Mike will guide you through every step of the process, from heating the steel in the forge to grinding the final edge. Whether you’ve never held a hammer before or you’re looking to learn traditional blade-making skills, you’ll be fully supported throughout the day.
What will I make in the knife making workshop?
You’ll forge a traditional Viking-style knife with a live, sharp edge. The knife is made from high carbon steel and properly heat treated and tempered for strength and durability. By the end of the day, you’ll walk away with a fully functional, custom-forged knife that you’ve created entirely by hand.
Where is the knife making course located?
Our knife making experience days take place at Soulful Iron’s forge in Slad, just outside Stroud in the heart of the Cotswolds (GL6 postcode). The forge is easily accessible with free parking available on site. We’re about a 10-minute drive from central Stroud.
What’s included in the knife making experience?
All materials, tools, and safety equipment are included in the price. This covers your high carbon steel stock, use of the forge, hammers, anvil, grinding equipment, and all PPE. Tea and coffee are provided throughout the day. You’ll take home the knife you’ve forged. We recommend bringing a packed lunch, or there’s a lovely cafe just a 5-minute walk away at Cherry Tree Farm Campsite.

Ready to Experience It Yourself?

Step into the forge, work with real fire and steel, and leave with something you made with your own hands.

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