Damascus Steel: Forge your own axe, knife or hammer
Description
This is a 2 day class. Day one starts at 9am and ends at 6pm, day 2 starts at 9am and ends at 5pm. In this class, we will learn how to make Damascus Steel by welding together many layers of high carbon steels, then folding, cutting, grinding, twisting and forging them to make a glorious pattern in the steel billet! From this, you will learn to forge either a knife, an axe or a hammer. This class is open to beginners, but the more experience you have in forging, the more complex a knife, axe or hammer you will be able to make! This class is taught using the gas forge, and you will also learn how to use industrial presses and power hammers!
What's included in the price?
Day 1 is the forging day- we will stack, weld and fold the billets of steel together, then learn to turn the bar of steel into a blade, hammer or axe head. Day 2 is refining day- we will grind the forged blades and heads, harden and temper them, then polish them before etching them. we end the day learning how to carve a handle for the work. If you have a specific project you want to forge from Damascus steel, please let us know in advance and we will work with you to make what you would like to
Duration
2 days
Cancellation policy
Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Hammer and Hound Forge is a traditional blacksmith's workshop in Blyth, Northumberland, Uk owned by award winning blacksmith Alex Sowden, who you might have seen before on Sky Arts' "The Prince's Master Crafters", or BBC1's "Make It At Market". We offer a variety of experiences in metalwork for all skill levels, including tuition in welding and fabrication, forging damascus steel, jewellery techniques and much more! We produce kits of hand forged woodworking supplies, as well as tools for other crafts, though our stock is often forged on commission. We also take on larger work, such as forging gates and railings, overthrows, staircases and all variety of ironwork. If you have any questions for us, please get in touch!
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Fairs, festivals & exhibitions
- Advanced/pro level
- Stag dos
- Hen dos
- Parking provided
- Corporate days out & team building
- Suitable for beginners
- Father's Day
- Intermediate level
FAQs
All of our courses are beginner accessible.
However, if you are looking for an experience in forging, or are looking to dip your toes into blacksmithing, then we recommend you take our Beginner's Blacksmithing day, or Beginners Bladesmithing. These days are set to take you through the basic steps of forging at an easily digestible pace.
Axe, hammer and tool forging days are a little bit more 'product focussed', there is more metal to forge so we will make use of power tools more. For people with less forging experience we have some recipe projects you can follow that make good tools and aren't massively complex.
Damascus steel is our most complex class- plenty of beginners have joined and had an excellent time, but it is a little faster paced. We focus mostly on the folding of the steel to create the pattern, then the polishing and etching of the steel, as this is the essence of the class. it is recommended to have taken a beginners class or two beforehand as this will help you get more out of this course.
At Hammer and Hound Forge we try to cater to all needs.
Please send us an email to hammerandhoundforge@gmail.com before booking in to discuss what needs you have and how we can best accommodate them.
Currently, our blacksmithing classes are not wheelchair friendly. this is something we are working on changing.
However, our Repoussé classes, silversmithing and modern knifemaking classes are wheelchair friendly. Please get in touch to discuss the availability of these courses, as they are listed in the summer usually.
our minimum age for participation is 11 years old.
Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Parents and guardians don't have to take part but must wear workshop-sensible clothing and footwear just the same. You can learn more about this in out FAQ: "What Should I Wear?"
All of our courses are open to beginners to join.
We do recommend that beginners start forging with our beginners day classes.
This covers the basics of working at an anvil, and the essential techniques in forging.
We have found that people with a bit of history with a forge will get more out of more product oriented courses like axe forging or Damascus steel making.
Having forging experience isn't a hard requirement for our courses, but you will get more out of the more advanced classes if you have a bit of prior experience to build on.
Forging is immense fun, and very satisfying, but does involve lots of sparks and fire.
To this end, you will want to wear "workshop chic". You will need sturdy footwear. Walking boots, Steel toe caps and anything hardy is encourages. Flip flops and heels are unwise. Trainers are discouraged.
Clothing wants to be natural fibres, jeans and cotton T shirts/jumpers are brilliant. You dont want to wear anything with lots of tassels or frays as they can get caught in machines. The biggest thing to avoid are fully plastic clothing EG tracksuit wear, or superdry coats.
Long hair or long beards will need to be tied back or tucked out the way.
Long sleeves are strongly recommended.
During the summer it can get very warm, but we still recommend long sleeves.
During winter, please bring lots of layers! Better to get warm and take a jumper off!
if your clothing is deemed dangerous we will have to ask you to change. If you have any questions please get in touch
You will need to bring a packed lunch, and sensible footwear.
There is a McDonalds and Greggs 2 minutes walk away, an Asda, Aldi, Lidl and KFC within 5 minutes drive should you wish to nip out or order food in.
We have lots of tea, Coffee, Squash and biscuits for all participants to enjoy.
You are welcome to bring your own PPE, such as gloves, eye protection, ear protection and overalls if you prefer using your own.
Likewise, you are welcome to bring your own tools such as hammers, tongs etc, but we will need to check them over to make sure they are safe to use.
