Spend a full day learning traditional blacksmithing at Old Pound Smithy in North Devon. Working with a coal-fired forge, hand-operated bellows, hammer and anvil, you’ll learn the essential skills of forging hot steel while creating your own handmade ironwork.
You’ll begin with a guided bottle opener project before putting your new skills into practice by forging a simple hook independently. In the afternoon, you’ll move on to a larger project, usually a fire poker, working with heavier steel and developing your hammering and shaping techniques.
With your own forge and anvil, and guidance from our blacksmiths throughout the day, you’ll enjoy plenty of hands-on experience and take home the pieces you’ve made.
What you’ll do
Your day begins with an introduction to the traditional blacksmith’s forge. You’ll learn how to light and control a coal fire using hand-operated bellows, understand the different working temperatures of steel and become familiar with the essential tools and techniques used at the anvil.
We’ll guide you through your first project, forging a steel bottle opener. Along the way, you’ll practise drawing out, bending, twisting and shaping hot metal using traditional hand tools.
Next, we’ll demonstrate how to make a simple hook. You’ll then put your new skills to the test by forging your own hook independently, with our blacksmiths on hand whenever you need advice.
After a break for lunch, you’ll tackle a larger project, usually a fire poker. Working with heavier steel, you’ll develop your hammer control and learn how to move and shape larger sections of hot metal.
By the end of the day, you’ll have gained a practical understanding of traditional blacksmithing and made several pieces of ironwork to take home.
Perfect for beginners
No previous blacksmithing experience is needed. Our one-day blacksmithing experience is designed for complete beginners who want to spend more time learning and practising traditional forging skills.
We’ll demonstrate each technique before you try it yourself, gradually building your confidence as you progress from smaller projects to working with heavier steel.
With your own coal-fired forge and anvil, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to practise, experiment and develop your skills throughout the day. Our blacksmiths will be on hand to offer guidance and help whenever you need it.
What you’ll make
During your one-day blacksmithing experience, you’ll forge three pieces of ironwork, each introducing new techniques and building on the skills you’ve learned.
You’ll start by making a steel bottle opener, learning how to draw out, shape and twist hot metal. Next, you’ll forge a simple hook, putting your new skills into practice with greater independence.
In the afternoon, you’ll tackle a larger project, usually a traditional fire poker. Working with heavier steel, you’ll explore different ways of shaping and finishing your piece, adding your own character to the design.
Every piece will be slightly different, reflecting your own work at the anvil. At the end of the day, you’ll take home everything you’ve made.
Who is the One-Day Blacksmithing Experience for?
Our one-day blacksmithing experience is ideal for anyone who wants to get properly hands-on with traditional forging and spend a full day learning a new craft.
It’s particularly suited to complete beginners who enjoy making things, working with their hands and discovering how everyday objects can be created from a simple length of steel.
Whether you’re coming on your own, with a partner or as part of a small group, you’ll have your own forge and anvil, with plenty of opportunity to develop your skills throughout the day.
It also makes a memorable gift for someone who enjoys traditional crafts, practical skills or trying something completely different.
You can also explore our full range of blacksmithing courses in North Devon, including knife making, axe making and forged sculpture.
Book your Half-Day Blacksmithing Experience
Ready to try your hand at traditional blacksmithing?
Choose an available date below and book your One-Day Blacksmithing Experience at Old Pound Smithy in North Devon.
All tools, materials and safety equipment are provided, and you’ll take home both pieces you forge during the session.
Want to try more blacksmithing?
Enjoyed working with fire, hammer and anvil? There’s plenty more to discover at Old Pound Smithy.
If you’d like to develop your forging skills further, our One-Day Knife Making Course introduces the techniques involved in forging your own blade, while our Forged Geometry Sculpture Day explores the creative possibilities of shaping and joining hot steel.
For those wanting to spend even more time at the forge, our two-day knife and axe making courses offer the opportunity to tackle more involved projects.
Explore our full range of blacksmithing courses to find the experience that interests you.
