Our two-hour blacksmithing taster at Old Pound Smithy in Woolsery, North Devon, is a hands-on introduction to traditional forging using fire, hammer, anvil and hand tools.
This hands-on taster is designed for complete beginners. You’ll learn to control a coal-fired forge using hand-operated bellows, heat and shape steel, and make your own forged bottle opener to take home.
Working in a small group with guidance from our experienced blacksmiths, you’ll get a practical introduction to a craft that has changed remarkably little over the centuries. No previous experience is needed.
What you’ll do
Your session begins with a welcome to the smithy, a safety briefing and an introduction to the tools and materials you’ll be using.
You’ll learn how to light and control a traditional coal-fired forge using hand-operated bellows, before heating your steel and working it at the anvil.
With guidance from your tutor, you’ll practise fundamental blacksmithing techniques including drawing out, tapering, bending and twisting. You’ll discover how steel responds to heat and hammer blows as you begin shaping your first piece.
Everything is done using traditional hand tools, with no power hammers or powered grinders.
Perfect for beginners
Most people who join our Two-Hour Forge Taster have never picked up a blacksmith’s hammer before, and that’s absolutely fine.
We’ll demonstrate each technique before you try it yourself, with guidance throughout the session. You’ll work at your own anvil, learning how to handle the tools safely and develop confidence as you go.
Our small-group approach means there’s plenty of opportunity to ask questions, practise new skills and enjoy the experience of making something by hand.
You don’t need any previous experience — just a willingness to have a go.
What you’ll make
During your two-hour session, you’ll forge your own steel bottle opener using traditional blacksmithing techniques.
Starting with a length of steel, you’ll learn to heat, draw out, taper, bend and twist the metal, gradually transforming it into a practical, handmade object.
Your tutor will guide you through each stage, helping you understand how to control the shape of the steel as you work.
By the end of the session, you’ll have a finished bottle opener to take home — made by you, using fire, hammer and anvil.
Who is the Two-Hour Taster for?
Our Two-Hour Forge Taster is designed for complete beginners. You don’t need any previous experience of blacksmithing or metalworking.
It’s a great introduction for individuals, couples, friends and small groups who want to try something different and experience working with hot steel.
The session involves standing at the anvil and using hand tools, but you don’t need to be particularly strong or physically experienced to take part.
If you enjoy the taster and want to develop your skills further, we also offer half-day and full-day blacksmithing courses, along with specialist knife-making, axe-making and creative forging experiences.
Book your Two-Hour Forge Taster
Ready to try your hand at traditional blacksmithing?
Choose an available date and book your Two-Hour Forge Taster using the form below. All tools, materials and safety equipment are provided, apart from suitable footwear.
Want to try more blacksmithing?
If you’d like to spend more time at the forge, our Half-Day and One-Day Blacksmithing Experiences give you the opportunity to develop your skills and tackle additional projects.
We also offer traditional knife-making and axe-making courses, along with creative forging workshops where you can explore decorative ironwork and sculpture.
Explore our full range of blacksmithing courses to find the experience that interests you.
