![NJK_DARK_CREST_OB[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c10e83_f4fbcaa7384845b3ab59e2f9fc7cecfb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_84,h_83,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/NJK_DARK_CREST_OB%5B1%5D.png)
Have you ever wanted to make your own chef's knife? Thinking of getting into bladesmithing and want to see what it would be like? Or are you an experience seeker who fancies smashing some hot metal around? We can help!​
You can also bring your own wood/materials if you would like to include something special for your handle, but no random bits of metal please! If you don't know what it is, and I don't know what it is,
chances are it wont make for a good chefs knife!
​
It's more than making a knife - using a combination of modern and traditional blacksmithing skills, jack will take you through the entire process across two days. You will be taught the practical skills required, but also experience the artistry and satisfaction of making your own handcrafted knife.
​
We spend the morning of day one fire welding your billet under our biggest power hammer (known on the streets as Bertha the big green beast). Once your pattern welded billet is forged to a suitable layer count, the process of fashioning your steel into a knife begins.
​
What to expect - The course kicks off at 9am both mornings, with the fee including lunch (let me know if you have any dietary requirements), materials to complete your knife from start to finish, and two full days teaching at the forge.
​
The forge is fully equip with power hammers (yes, plural!), four belt sanders, multiple pieces of heat treating equipment, a MIG welding station, metal cutting and wood working tools, not to mention at least one hand hammer and anvil at any given time! the workshop has all the necessary (and sometimes frivolous) kit required to make sure you have a memorable experience crafting your quality, refined chefs knife.
​
​
​
![20230504_170643[1]_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c10e83_19617bad56884d67aecb773652461f37~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_451,h_338,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/20230504_170643%5B1%5D_edited.jpg)
Once your blade is forged out, the next step is stock removal. we profile and shape the blades , we then begin the heat treatment process, we use a fluidised sand bed (a super cool bit of kit) which is how your blade gets it's hardness.
This will be the end of day one (you will be tired!), we have a great food scene in Hereford and we can offer advice on where to go/what there is to do with the the rest of your evening.
​
You can also explore some of the countryside and wild gardens around the forge, Ros the resident landlady offers guided tours in the summer, and there are plenty of great walking spots nearby.
Day two will start with a grinding demo and then you'll get to grind in the geometry of the blades. After that you will be shown the polishing and acid etching process. This is the exciting bit where the pattern weld which you made on day one will become visible.
​
The next and last major step is shaping/attaching your handle. This is the part of the process where your blade really (literally) starts to come together. this is the point where we also refine all the minute details to make sure your knife is not only personal to you, but perfect for you too.
​
After a final wax, oil and sharpen you're all done, your knife is now yours to keep!
​
For even more detailed course information click here
