Blacksmithing Workshops

About

Hot metal, a roaring fire and an anvil. This heritage craft would once have been found in every village but is now a rare sight. We’re very fortunate at Sacrewell to be able to offer one-to-one lessons (or one-to-two, depending on the workshop, if you wish to work with a friend or relative) with Sacrewell's resident blacksmith, Dave.

What’s included?

All the tools and material you need to create your own piece of metalwork
Instructions, advice and assistance from experienced tutor Dave
Use of personal protection equipment (goggles, gloves and an apron)

When are workshops available?

Blacksmithing sessions are available on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. All workshops must be pre-booked. Please contact us to arrange a suitable date after you’ve made your purchase.

Subject to availability!

Workshops to choose from:

 

TASTER SESSIONS (£20 per person)

Suitable for anyone aged 12+

Make a simple coathook, bottle opener or heart pendant in this half hour session, which is recommended for absolute beginners. We’re sure you’ll learn something new and enjoy the chance to make something truly unique, as well as helping to keep this traditional skill alive.

Taster sessions can be booked on the last Thursday and last Sunday of each month. Please contact us to pre-book your session.
Purchase a Taster Session >>

 

HALF DAY SESSIONS (£80 per person)

Suitable for anyone aged 18+​​

For anyone who’d like to spend a little longer in the forge, the three hour half day session (10:00am till 1:00pm) offers the chance to make a fire poker. If you would like to experience blacksmithing with a friend or relative, the half day session offers the perfect opportunity to work alongside each other.
Purchase a Half Day Session >>

 

FAMILY COAT HOOK SESSION  (£160 for 2 adults and 2 children)

Suitable for anyone aged 12+

Work as a team to create a customised set of coat hooks for your family. Each participant will make their own hook and we’ll mount them together on a wooden base for you to take home. Let us know if your family structure is a little larger and we’ll see what we can offer. We can even add an extra hook for the dog lead.
Purchase a Family Coat Hook Session >>

 

 

INTRODUCTION TO BLACKSMITHING (£160 per person)

Suitable for anyone aged 18+

In this full day workshop (10:00am till 5:00pm) you’ll have the chance to try your hand at several different blacksmithing techniques. You’ll then put them into practice to make three different tools which you can take home and use to develop your new hobby.

Please note that this workshop is offered on a one-to-one basis only.

Purchase an Introduction to Blacksmithing >>

 

 

KNIFE MAKING DAY (£160 per person)

Suitable for anyone aged 18+

In just one day (10:00am till 5:00pm) you’ll produce a completed metal knife with an “as forged” handle. Develop your skills in shaping, grinding, heat treating and sharpening a block of steel under the watchful eye of our blacksmith.

Please note that this workshop is offered on a one-to-one basis only.

Purchase a Knife Making Day >>

 

 

THROWING SPIKE & FIELD SPORTS DAY (£150 per person – £260 pairs)

Suitable for anyone aged 18+

Come to Dave the blacksmith for a session creating a throwing spike at the forge and then put this into use down at 1642 Field Sports at their throwing range behind the Mill.

The day will start with Dave teaching you traditional tricks of the blacksmithing trade in the morning for approximately a 3-hour session. All materials required will be provided for you. Then after lunch you will make your way to 1642 Field Sports throwing range, where you will learn to throw your creation and a selection of axes and knives.

Sensible clothing and footwear must be worn for your personal safety.

Purchase a Throwing Spike & Field Sports Day >>

 

 

FIVE DAY BLACKSMITH TOOL MAKING COURSE (£750 per person)

Suitable for anyone aged 18+

Make the tools to make the tool in this fascinating five-day course. Whilst learning the fundamental principles of the art of blacksmithing, you will produce a set of practical equipment to enable you to create your very own blacksmith’s hammer. Contact us to find out available dates.

What skills will I learn?

How to source blacksmithing materials and to test metal for high carbon steel
The process of heat treating
A range of fundamental techniques
How to blacksmith using both a heritage coke fire and a modern gas fuelled fire
How to make: a range of chisels, a round punch, a pair of tongs, the tools for making a cross peen hammer and the hammer itself. If time permits, you may also be able to make a range of optional additional metal items using your new tools.

 

What’s Included?

All the equipment and material you need to create your range of blacksmith tools
Instructions, advice and assistance from experienced tutor Dave
Use of personal protection equipment (goggles, gloves and an apron)
Tea, coffee and some light refreshments on each day of your course

This five day course is physically demanding, therefore participants must be in a reasonable state of good health in order to take part. Please contact us via email if you would like to book a space on this course but you have any concerns about its suitability for you.

Purchase a Five Day Blacksmith Tool Making Course >>

 

Our blacksmith’s workshop is situated approximately 75m from our main entrance and has an uneven, cobbled floor. Participants must be able to stand for the full duration of their blacksmithing workshop.