OUR STORY
Warwick & Yvette have both always had a passion for creating things (that can be anything from tiny to huge!) using recycled items as much as possible. They have created a fully functional blacksmith shed, integrating heritage with modern. Using primitive techniques in sculpture & blacksmithing along with modern techniques with today’s tools. From the blacksmith shed they both work on custom metalworks & knifemaking classes.
Warwick is making all his own punches, drifts, top tools, hardies & jigs. It is a great way to learn more of the craft and to feel a connection with the tools he uses frequently.
Working with his hands is something he has always enjoyed doing. Now sharing his experience & knowledge with others in facilitating a practical task of knifemaking with a fun, informal & supportive approach to learning helps people get the most out of their experience
Warwick & Yvette get a great satisfaction seeing the pride in someone’s eyes when they are holding a highly functional item they have crafted themselves
A BIT OF LOCATION HISTORY
Armstrong Forge is located on a quiet rural setting in Mandeville / Swannanoa, North Canterbury just 35 kilometres northwest of Christchurch. Just 8 kilometres from the beautiful historical township of Ohoka, where in the mid to late 1800’s stood Benn Whitham’s Shoeing & Blacksmithing business on Mill Road the main road that travels through Ohoka. In March 1900 this business was purchased by F B Ramsey who also did general repairs to farming implements which serviced the surrounding areas including Mandeville / Swannanoa
The settlement of Swannanoa (named after the Swannanoa River in Western North Carolina) started around the 1850’s. For most of its history, Swannanoa continued to be almost exclusively pastoral. It was all about the sheep on this dryland.
In 1875, a railway line was built through the district and the official location of Swannanoa, at the intersection of Two Chain Road and North Eyre Road was the location of the train station.
The Eyreton branch line was a ‘flag-stop’ railway line which you could ‘flag’ down to get on & stopped to let people off. This train earned the name “Ohoka Punt” because the land it passed through was so swampy it resembled a boat! The opportunity to catch the train to Swannanoa ended in May 1954. On North Eyre Road now (opposite our driveway) you will see the “hump” where the train once travelled.
Mandeville / Swannanoa, Ohoka & surrounding North Canterbury areas today, offers many experiences & activities from a picnic & swim at the nearby Waimakariri River to a scenic drive around the local arts, crafts & treasures and not forgetting all the cuisines, cafes & pubs along the way!
Fernside Blacksmithing Shop
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Ohoka Blcksmithing Shop - Mill Road, Ohoka
First Train to West Eyreton
