Blacksmithing & Knife Making Days in the Cotswolds

Hands-on blacksmithing experiences and knife making courses 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.

Upcoming dates

Every date for every course, with spaces left.

Trusted by People Who've Experienced It Firsthand

Real words from people who stepped into the forge.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I genuinely cannot rate this experience highly enough - it was bloody awesome from start to finish… You leave tired, a bit smoky, slightly filthy, and ridiculously proud of what you have made.
Shari
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The day at the forge for knife making was an unforgettable experience… I loved every moment of it, from the crafting process to the sense of achievement I felt at the end.
steven pope
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Prior to the day I'd been a little nervous, having never done anything like this before. However, Mike is a fantastic teacher - he explained everything really well
Deb
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We were all beginners to blacksmithing, but after a long and intensive day, we all came away with our very own hand forged knives! It was a fantastic and fascinating experience
Ben Depla
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
My son and I had a wonderful blacksmithing experience day at Soulful Iron… We ended up with two beautiful finished items each and a new found understanding and passion for hot metals!
Raphael K
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A truly authentic experience day - it felt like stepping back in time… Mike’s genuine passion for blacksmithing shines through, you can’t help but feel inspired.
Trustpilot reviewer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The experience day that I was part of just flew by. Mike's patience with us was second to none… I cannot recommend this day highly enough
David Tinsley
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I really enjoyed my day at Mike's forge and learnt a lot about making knives… we all came away with something that we could be proud of.
Mr Jenkinson
“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 and usually finishes between 5pm and 6:30pm. 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.
People often come from Bristol, Bath and Hereford, from across Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, and some make a day of it from London.
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.
How long is the blacksmithing experience day?
Blacksmithing days start at 10:30am and run until around 4:30pm. I’m not too strict, so if you need a bit longer to finish something, we can stay on a little.
What will I make on a blacksmithing day?
You’ll start on offcuts to learn a few basic techniques, then forge a classic hook, which teaches drawing out a taper, scrolling and twisting. After that it’s usually a fire poker. You take home what you make.
How many people are on a blacksmithing day?
A maximum of six, so there’s plenty of one-to-one help at the anvil.
Is there a minimum age for blacksmithing?
The minimum age is 11. Between 11 and 18, an adult needs to be there. They can take part with their own booking, or just drink tea and watch.
Do I need to be fit to try blacksmithing?
You need to be able to hold tongs and swing a hammer, but you don’t need to be super-fit. I’ve taught people from 11 up to their mid to late 70s.
What should I wear for a blacksmithing day?
Natural fibres like cotton or real wool, as synthetics can melt, and sturdy closed shoes. Leather aprons, goggles and gloves are provided.

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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