Smithing workshops, learn how to make your very own Kitchen knife or silver ring.
Silversmithing courses
Learn how to make your very own sterling silver ring, step by step using hand tools and traditional techniques.
No prior experience is necessary, as I will take you through every step in detail so you can learn the process and create something that will last generations.
During this course we cover the following -
Planning, measuring ring size and preparing our metal.
Learning to shape and form your ring before soldering and closing the loop.
Hand hammering to create a perfectly round, smooth band.
Hand sanding and polishing.
Texturing with a hammer to give your ring a unique appearance and get the perfect size.
Final polishing.
This is a one on one workshop and I will provide any PPE needed. Jewellery making is a safe and fun process but we do have to work with a bit of heat and spinning tools! It is generally very safe and by the end of it you will have learnt a useful skill. We have a choice of ring designs to choose from and customise, but generally we will make a simple band with some texturing.
This course lasts a maximum of 4 hours and if time permits you will make more than one ring.
Bladesmithing courses
Spend either one or two days in a small forge in North Devon learning how to hand forge your very own knife.
This is an intensive workshop that is designed to teach you the basics of knife making using a mix of traditional techniques and a few modern processes to produce a functional knife of your design that will last a lifetime.
During this course we will cover the following -
Design process including drawing, choosing suitable metal grades and deciding on wood species for the handle.
Learning how to light and manage a traditional Japanese sword forge.
The basics of forging including safety & hammering techniques. Forging your knife blank completely by hand ready for grinding.
Grinding and rough shaping, including file work to define your final knife shape.
Handle shaping & burning in the knife tang.
Heat treating and tempering your knife.
Grinding, polishing & setting the handle.
Learning how to use whetstones and sharpen by hand.
This is a one on one course where I will instruct you on every step. This is a fun, exciting and rewarding process but does come with some risks as we are working with fire and high temperatures upwards of 1000C. You must be fit, healthy and wear appropriate clothing, this includes closed boots or shoes, jeans or cotton work trousers and long sleeves. I will provide safety glasses, a dust mask if you wish and a fireproof leather apron.
I provide hot drinks & water but you will need to bring lunch and appropriate clothing, it can be cold in the forge in the winter so please check before you arrive.
Availability is a little limited, so if you don’t see any available dates, please feel free to contact me to arrange one that suits you.
