Frequently Asked Questions


AVAILABILITY?

The Forge is only open to students on course dates or by appointment. Our online booking system will show you the availability in real time.

HOW do i BOOK?

Our online booking system is easy to use and allows you to choose a time and date that suits you. Alternatively, purchase a course via our online shop section. Our gift card courses can be redeemed at a later date by contacting us here.

GUIDELINES FOR TAKING PART?

We welcome all at our forge, beginners to advanced blacksmiths. Please wear appropriate clothing and no jewellery that could be damaged or cause injury.

What is your refund policy?

Unfortunately as a family run business we can not offer refunds on our experience days. They they are a leisure activity and are exempt from refund policies. We do not offer any refunds or financial remuneration on vouchers or gift cards.

can I reschedule If i find i cant make it?

Yes we are completely happy to help you as best as we can if you find you can no longer do the date which you booked, as long as it’s more than 1 month from the commencement of your booked date. We cannot offer a reschedule with 1 month of commencement date due to the limited number of student spaces on each session as these are difficult to backfill at short notice.

Does my voucher have a used by date?

Yes all vouchers are sold with an 18 month from purchase use period.

Do I need my own protective equipment?

Your personal protective equipment is provided on arrival. Please do not feel you have to buy this for your visit. However, if you do have your own at home and prefer to bring this with you, then you are more than welcome too.

Who is it suitable for?

The courses are suitable for all almost anyone as long as you're a resalable level of fitness, able to be on your feet all day ( with a few rest periods) and steady on your feet.

Am I to old?

No age is to old we've had a 90 year old do a knife course with absolutely no problem. As long as you're strong and steady on your feet.

Am I to young?

We generally say book as normal for age 16 and over ( parents must give consent below 18)

That said we have taught forging to as young as 10 years old before. We generally say 16 but can except a little younger I very sensible and strong for age. PLEASE CONFIRM WITH OUR TEAM BEFORE BOOKING.

I have a disability?

We are very open and inclusive where ever possible and can work with you on many disabilities. Unfortunately the forge it's self by its nature would not be easy to navigate in a wheelchair. But please contact us for a chat if you'd like to discuss your personal circumstances.

Is there a lunch break?

Yep we take a lunch break in the day but you can also stop more if need be and make a cup of tea when ever you like.

Can I buy it as a gift?

Yes of course a large percentage of our courses are done by someone who has received it as a gift.

We also have team building days where a company will bring their team along to do a build each.

Can I watch?

We don’t have a largest building we also have a lot of tools so space is precious. We often have visitors / spectators of students dropping in. But in general we don't encourage it as 4 students with 4+ spectators and 1 or 2 instructors it would become cramped. Dropping in for a few mins is fine but if you want or need to stay for more than a few mins or up to all day. There is a £50 cost also purchased through the website.

Can I bring a pet?

Unfortunately we can't have dogs being bought to the forge as we have traffic moving around the site and its a full on day so no spare time for walks etc.

I'm not very practical can I still complete a good knife?

Your instructor will give as much or as little attention and help as required for you to go home with a great looking fully functional knife. So as long as you're prepared to listen and take instruction your lack of past experience or practical skills will not inhibit your knife making at all.

Can I customise my knife?

Our knife blanks all start out the same but you will be using your choice of a selection of premade handles. They will all end up very different as the forging and grinding process is so organic.

Are there toilets at the forge.

Yes we have a toilet.

What do we do for lunch?

Please bring your own lunch and snacks. There is a Co-op and a bakery a few 100 metres up the road Students can not go find cafes as we are on a tight schedule this will eat into our work time and you may not complete your knife. Tea and instant coffee are on site in our kitchen.

What should I wear?

As there is hot work and rotary abrasives we ask that you do not wear nylon/ flammable clothing. Also do not wear loose fitting clothing. Also full length trousers and tops where possible. Tshirt can be worn in the summer but be aware forge scale is hot and will burn when it lands on skin.

How long is the course?

The course is 9:00 till approximately 4:30 -5:30 this can over run a little to ensure we complete all knives.

Please arrive by 8:45 so we can get ready.

Is there local shops?

There is a Co-op and a bakery just at the top of the road and there’s cafes about 10 mins away but student can't go there for lunch as it's at least 30 minutes round trip which could result in none completion of you knife.

Contact us.

If you have questions about an existing booking or about making a booking, drop us a message below and we will get back to you as soon as we can.