One Day Dagger Forging Course

What Can I Expect

Is this a dagger forging experience I see before me? Move over Shakespeare, this isn't Macbeth, it's dagger forging in Hereford!

We are offering vouchers for you to attend the workshop solo, or join forces to make your dagger as a duo. You'll spend pretty much all day at Oldfield Forge with the skilled blacksmiths, learning how to make your very own decorative dagger.

Making a dagger is actually quite complicated, as there are several parts to them. Even so, whether you have some blacksmithing experience, or have never even been to a forge before, you will be able to forge a dagger in just a day (and expert help is always on hand!).

The forge will already be lit and ready when you arrive, so prepare yourselves for high temperatures and red hot metal, as you set to work on the first element of the dagger, which is the tang, the part of the blade that goes into the handle.

You'll use traditional techniques to forge the tapered blade and bevel that gives a dagger its distinctive shape. There's no denying it's hard work, but as you start to see your piece take form, it's incredibly satisfying.

Working through the pommel-making stage and when the metalwork finishing done, it's time to assemble the parts to complete your decorative dagger. And of course, you get to take your lovely, shiny hand-forged dagger home with you!

What's Included

Dagger Making for One

• Design and make your very own decorative dagger
• Welcome, introduction and safety briefing
• Your tutor will help you to select your design and talk you through the process
• Forging the blade, beginning with the tang with processes such as set downs, squaring and tapering
• You will then forge the taper onto the blade and bevel the blade, then it's onto the pommel and cross guard
• Move to the grinding bay using tools such as angle grinders and belt grinders
• Fit the handle to the dagger through a process known as a burn through
• One of the smiths will fit all the components together
• Allow 7 hours on site for this experience

Dagger Making for Two

• Design and make one decorative dagger together!
• Allow 6 hours on site for this experience

When Is It Available

• Weekdays and selected Saturdays throughout the year
• All dates are subject to availability
• Due to popularity please book well in advance to avoid disappointment, weekends especially get booked quickly

Suitable For

• Minimum age 7 (must be accompanied by a participating adult)

Anything Else

• A picnic lunch is available to purchase for an additional £8.50 payable when booking your date