History and fine craftsmanship combine on these bladesmithing experiences in Kent! During these full-day classes in Kent you have the choice of learning how to forge a traditional blacksmith's knife or a kitchen knife. And it's all done with the help of Owen, who has been teaching knife-making skills at his forge for many years.
For Owen it's all about forging soul into steel. It's an amazing material that can be manipulated and fashioned into a myriad of things. A self-confessed foodie, this passionate bladesmith combines his love of food with his love of working metal by specialising in forged blades.
Owen's passion is historically-inspired Viking and Saxon swords, seaxes, knives and axes, in particular pattern-welded pieces. This is the method of forging different steels together, creating historical or new, contemporary patterns as he works.
His work has been featured in many TV shows, in film and in print. From bringing mythical Game of Thrones steels to life, to iron ore smelting on George Clarke's Amazing Spaces. Owen has quite literally forged himself a reputation as a highly skilled bladesmith.
You'll be spending the day with Owen at Bush Fire Forge on the edge of East Wickham park by Welling in Kent. As a pupil of this bladesmithing school, everything you need is provided for you.
If you go for the Blacksmith's Knife, you'll be making a classic one-piece, forged knife. Owen has based the design on bog finds in Denmark, so your knife will have Viking heritage. Those opting for the Kitchen Knife workshop will be making a practical knife for use with food, with optional handle and sheath extras that can be paid for on the day.
The bladesmith skills you'll be taught include basic forging techniques, heat treatment and blade sharpening methods. The forge is very well equipped for teaching, including multiple workstations with hydraulic presses, power hammers and grinding stations around the heat-treating furnace.
By the end of your bladesmithing experience in Kent, you'll be leaving with your knife forged by your very own hands! Book your day at Bush Fire forge now!
