Blacksmithing & Knife Making Experience Days Stroud

Knife Making & Blacksmithing Experience Days in the Cotswolds

Looking for an unforgettable blacksmithing or knife making experience in the Cotswolds? Myknife forging workshops offer hands-on learning in both blacksmithing and knife making at my working forge in Slad, just outside Stroud in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire. Ideal for complete beginners, my blacksmithing or knife making classes provide expert guidance in a small group setting (maximum 6 participants per workshop). On the Blacksmithing eperience, you’ll forge your own stylish hook, complete with twists, and a fire poker poker. On the knife making experience, you’ll forge a Viking-style knife from start to finish, learning centuries-old techniques. Unlike some knife making days, we’ll forge the knife out of high carbon steel, so your blade will be capable of keeping a proper edge. During your knife forging experience, you’ll master:

• Traditional forge work with hammer, anvil and tongs
• Shaping high carbon steel into a blade
• Beveling and profiling techniques
• Heat treatment and tempering for a razor-sharp edge
• Grinding and finishing your custom knife

Each knife making experience runs for a full day (10:30am – approximately 5pm) and you’ll take home the Viking-style knife you’ve forged with your own hands.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Knife Making Experiences

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.

What age do you need to be for the knife making workshop?

The minimum age is 11 years old. Children aged 11-16 (11 to 18 on knife making days) need a parent or guardian present in the building during the experience. The parent or guardian doesn’t need to participate in the knife making class if they prefer not to – they’re welcome to relax with complimentary tea and coffee while watching. If they’d like to join in and forge their own knife, they can book a second place.

Can I buy a knife making experience gift voucher?

Yes! Our knife making gift vouchers are delivered instantly via email and are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. This gives the recipient plenty of flexibility to book a date that suits them. Gift vouchers can be redeemed for any of our knife making experience days throughout the year. They make the perfect gift for anyone interested in traditional crafts, metalwork, or hands-on experiences.

How many people attend each knife making class?

We keep our knife forging workshops small with a maximum of 6 participants per session. This ensures you get plenty of one-on-one guidance from Mike throughout the day and means you’re never waiting around for equipment or assistance. The small group size creates a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where you can learn at your own pace.

What should I wear to the knife making experience?

Wear comfortable, practical clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty – natural fibres like cotton are best as they’re less likely to melt if they catch a spark. NO POLYESTER. Sturdy boots or shores are essential (no sandals or trainers with mesh). We provide all necessary safety equipment including aprons, safety glasses, and gloves. Long hair should be tied back. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon.

When do knife making experience days run?

We run knife making workshops multiple times per month, including both weekdays and Sundays. Check our available dates above to see what’s currently scheduled. If you have a knife making course gift voucher, you can book any available date within your 12-month validity period.