One DAY COURSES AT IASTUDIOS
Have a go
Our 4hr 'have a go' at blacksmithing course is designed to offer you the chance to try the ancient craft of the blacksmith.
You will gain an understanding of what it's like to forge hot metal on a hammer and anvil. Give yourself, or a loved one, a great start on your journey as a blacksmith, or just a great day out learning a new skill.
On this course you will make either a fire poker or a scroll knife (letter opener), very old and traditional blacksmith projects often used to showcase blacksmithing skills and techniques. (If you complete the task then there will be lots of fun extras for you to try). You will be tutored through the process with one of our expert smiths that have years of real world experience.
This course will be centred around introducing you to the blacksmith’s skill set, our course has been curated to be achievable for anyone of any ability, so you will always leave with a finished product by the end. As well as being achievable, they will show you the base processes of blacksmithing, so that you will be able to make the item again on your own.
Knifemaking
Join us for a full day in the forge and create your very own chef knife. A practical tool that can last a lifetime with proper care. This course is perfect for beginners and offers a hands-on introduction to blacksmithing and knife making.
Throughout the day, you’ll be guided by one of our experienced blacksmiths as you learn to forge a blade from raw steel using traditional hand tools. You may also take part in classic smith-and-striker work, teaming up with another participant to shape hot steel with a sledgehammer.
Once your blade is forged, you’ll move on to heat treatment to harden the steel, then use grinders to refine its shape and prepare it for sharpening. Finally, you’ll fit and finish your own custom wooden handle, completing a knife that’s truly your own.
The course includes all materials, high-quality blade steel and hardwood for the handle as well as full use of tools, safety equipment, and one-on-one instruction throughout the day. You'll leave with a finished chef knife and a basic understanding of blacksmithing and blade-making techniques.