What Can I Expect

Explore the art of knife making in the Peak District! Join a one-day workshop in the heart of Derbyshire’s dramatic and spectacular countryside to learn how to hand forge a knife.

Tim, Jess and Phil are your expert blacksmith hosts for these courses. Working out of their purpose-built workshop, there’s plenty of space to welcome up to six students at a time, with three double forges, six anvils and all the tools you need.

To make a knife, you need a higher grade of carbon steel to make that blade, but the techniques you’ll be using have been around for centuries. In essence, it’s all about heating the metal and bashing away at it with a hammer (technically known as ‘smithing and striking’!).

The buzz of a busy workshop is inspiring. The heat, the noise of metal striking metal and the sheer joy as those pieces of metal are transformed into shapes - by you. Yes, it’s hard work, but the reward is a hand forged knife you made yourself.

What we love about this Derbyshire knife making experience is the people and the ambience. Friendly and welcoming, you’ll be well looked after, with snacks, lunch and endless brews, whilst you work on forging your knife.

This all-inclusive knife making course at the well-equipped workshop nestled in the Peak District between Bakewell and Matlock includes the raw materials, the protective gear, your own forge, anvil and tools for the duration, all your food and drinks - and expert coaching from your enthusiastic hosts too.

When Is It Available

• Selected weekdays and weekends throughout the year
• Courses start at 09:30 finishing around 16:30
• Dates are subject to availability