FORGING A BELT KNIFE Traditionally blacksmiths often forged small knives for everyday use. These would have been carried in a sheath on the belt - handy for cutting rope, foraging or used at mealtime . They are some of the simplest knives that have been made by smiths for hundreds of years and are either a single piece of high carbon steel or sometimes laminated and fitted with a plane wooden handle. This is the perfect place to start for anyone interested in knife making or blacksmithing in general. Over the course of the day guests will learn the basics of traditional blacksmithing as well as making a small hidden tang blade, heat treating it and grinding to an edge . The afternoon will be spent fitting a bolster and wooden handle . No previous experience required. PLEASE SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS BEFORE BOOKING A COURSE COURSE INCLUDES : Forging high carbon steel (80CRV2) to make a foraging or small skinning knife (pictured). All pieces will then be fully heat treated and ground to a sharpened edge. Handle and bolster fitting. A leather sheath will be provided at the end of the day. TIMES - 9AM - 6PM MEALS - A delicious lunch of local produce will be provided , as well as tea, coffee and cake throughout the day. CAMPING AND ACCOMMODATION - There is camping at COPPET HILL CAMPING (walking distance from the forge) or else plenty of local accommodation available . LOCATION - The Forge, Broadoak, Dorset, DT6 5NW
