Course Information
WHAT TO EXPECT
A great day out with 2 - 4 of you're friends or family where you will be joining Warwick & Yvette in a whole day traditional knifemaking experience from 8.30am to approximately 1.30pm – 3.30pm (depending on numbers), forging a handcrafted knife from raw steel to a knife you will treasure forever!
First off you will get an introduction to the Armstrong Forge covering the tools & safety
You will design your masterpiece (total length under 250mm), you will then start using the traditional method of blacksmithing using the forge, tongs, hammers & anvils to shape your blade.
Once you have forged you’re blade, you will start to finesse the shape using files & grinders. Then you will drill the holes ready for heat treating. Once you have re-heated your blade, it is time to heat-treat your masterpiece prior to attaching the handle
Around this time we will have lunch & refreshments which are provided (if you have any special dietary requirements please bring your own lunch)
After lunch you will get onto cutting, gluing & profiling your handle
Once the handle is completed the final polish, wax & sharpen will be done – then you will have a unique, functional and hand crafted knife you have made yourself to take home! – Along with an awesome sense of achievement at the end of your day!
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Facilities
Armstrong Forge is a blacksmith shed set on a rural setting which has a mix of heritage & a little bit of modern! Consisting of a traditional smithy’s dirt floor & coal forge. With a mix of old & new tools! Our knifemaking course is an outdoor activity with an outdoor outhouse (toilet) & outdoor hand-washing facilities. It is also advised to bring extra clothing for the cooler / winter days! There are teas, coffees & chilled water to help yourself to throughout the day. We have bar leaner’s inside & outside for lunch... or when you need a break! You are also welcome to have a go at axe & knife-throwing!
Pricing
On this one-day knife making course with Armstrong Forge you and you're friends (2 - 4 people) will forge a piece of steel into a functional personalized knife The course includes all materials, refreshments throughout the day, morning tea, lunch, knowledge, some laughs & a completed unique handcrafted knife made by yourself to treasure! Lunches consist generally of good old comfort foods with home-grown and / or locally sourced products & home baking. For those with any special dietary requirements, please bring your own lunch. The cost per person is $300.00 from 8.30am – approximately 1.30pm – 3.30pm (depending on numbers) Bookings Essential Strictly NO Spectators - Participants Only Minimum number of people 2 – Maximum number of people 4 Minimum age 18 So get together you're friends or family for a great day out!
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What to Bring
Come prepared to get dirty!... Old clothing made from natural fibres eg: cotton or denim (Non-flammable) Sturdy covered in / closed toe shoes or boots (No Jandals or Sandals) Hair Tie for longer hair Warm clothes (especially on the cooler days & winter periods) as this is an outdoor activity Prescription Glasses if required And lastly lots of enthusiasm and eagerness to give things a go! Safety gear (apron, earmuffs, goggles & gloves) are provided
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Health & Safety
At the beginning of the class with Armstrong Forge you will receive an induction covering the use of the relevant tools and equipment along with standard workshop Health and Safety practices. All classes require covered shoes or boots. We highly recommend wearing old clothes made from natural fibres. Being mindful of flammable materials around the forge. As this is an outdoor activity we recommend extra clothes on cooler days / winter. Please bring prescription glasses if required & hair ties for longer hair. The course can be physically demanding at times so if you have conditions, RSI or previous injuries that may be aggravated by repetitive movement, frequent breaks may be required Must be 18 years old + Strictly NO Spectators - Participants Only Finally, if you don’t have common sense this is not the course for you!
