Smithing Courses
Silversmithing course
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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.
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Up to four hours, with the aim of smithing one silver ring that fits you. If time allows we will make multiple rings.
Price - £80
One day Bladesmithing
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Spend one full day in a small forge in North Devon learning the basics of hand forging a 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 that will last a lifetime.
During this course we will cover the following -
Introduction to the tools and the forge as well as safety.
Learning how to light and manage a traditional Japanese sword forge.
The basics of forging, good hammering techniques and the science behind it.
Shaping 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, or if you prefer, have it sharpened by me and I teach you as we go.
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.
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Up to 10 Hours in the workshop
Price - £200
Two day Bladesmithing
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Spend two days with me in the forge, learning the basics and refining your skills with some advanced teaching as you handforge your own custom knife.
This is an intensive workshop that is designed to teach you the basics of knife making, but where we aim to advance on the skills you learn more than the one day course.
During this course we will cover the following -
Day 1
Introduction to the tools and the forge as well as safety.
Design and plan your own knife, including choice of metal and wood.Learning how to light and manage a traditional Japanese sword forge.
The basics of forging, good hammering techniques and the science behind it.
Forging your knife blank completely by hand from plain carbon steel stock.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.
Day 2
Final grinding, polishing & setting the handle.
Learning how to use whetstones and sharpen by hand, including in depth instruction to improve on your skills.
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Two days in the forge. Up to 20 hours.
Price - £350
Additional information for courses -
My courses are run on a one-to-one basis, simply because that is what my workshop space allows safely when it comes to forging. This also means you get my full attention and we can work on every step of the process together. If you wish to do my silversmithing course with one other person then that can be arranged.
My courses don’t require any previous experience, and are open to all skill levels. However the minimum age is 18 for my knife making courses.
I provide PPE, (safety glasses, a leather apron, gloves for forging. Safety glasses for silversmithing). But I ask that you wear suitable clothing if doing my knife smithing course as we are dealing with fire and hot metal. This generally means non flammable, thick clothing like denim jeans and cotton, please no synthetics as they will melt in contact with sparks. Closed shoes are a must, trainers are acceptable but boots are preferable.
If you do not wear safe, protective clothing then we cannot continue with the course.
My silversmithing course is a little more relaxed, as we are not dealing with anything dangerous, but I still suggest closed shoes and a few layers if it is winter.
Blacksmithing requires to you be able to swing a hammer whilst standing, if you have any damage to your wrist, elbow, shoulder or knees, then I do not recommend it.
Hot drinks and snacks are provided, you just need to bring a lunch and water.
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When booking, please make sure you can attend the date chosen as it can be difficult to find a new available date.