Forge an Iron Age knife workshop Wednesday 10 September 2025 10am - 4pm
*MAXIMUM NUMBER FOR THIS WORKSHOP IS 4*
Forge an Iron Age Knife –
Spend a day at the fire with professional bladesmith and cutler Thomas Timbrell, learning how to forge a knife the way it was done over two thousand years ago. Using a simple charcoal fire and hand tools, you’ll shape, harden, and sharpen your own blade, finishing it with an antler handle to take home at the end of the day.
This course isn’t about fancy tricks or polished workshops—it’s about getting stuck in, learning the basics of blacksmithing, and seeing just how capable Iron Age craftspeople really were. Along the way, Thomas will share the history behind the skills you are using, drawing on his years of experience as a working blacksmith and living historian. He’s a regular at places like the Chalke History Festival and has helped historic sites around the UK set up working forges and train staff in traditional metalwork.
Whether you are into history, hands-on skills, or just want to spend the day doing something different, you’ll come away with a one-of-a-kind knife and the experience of having made it the traditional way.
Full PPE will be provided for participants
Safety requirements for forging:
Age: 18+
Clothing:
- clothes worn for the course need to be made of wool, cotton, or linen- no synthetics as these can melt to the skin.
- sturdy footwear to be worn, no converse, trainers, or Doc Martens
Accommodation is not included but if required it is available within the local area, some suggestions can be found on our 'local accommodation' page - please arrange this yourself. Refreshments are provided on the day but not lunches.
Toilet and classroom all easily accessible from the car park.
*Please bring a packed lunch*.