Want to make a special knife from start to finish? At our own unique location in Rossum Overijssel (The Netherlands) you will forge your own damask masterpiece under our skilled supervision. Several high quality steel alloys are connected by means of fire welding. Repeatedly folding and firewelding this steel package creates an extremely hard and robust knifesteel of an extraordinary aesthetic beauty and a unique pattern.
Every knife is unique. Prior knowledge of or experience in blacksmithing is not necessary. All participants will go home with the custom knife of their dreams. The use of old robust pneumatic hammers as well as modern grinding machines will give you a unique forging experience and a wonderful result. Besides the one of a kind damask pattern, the uniqueness of the knife will be reinforced by the ample choice for knife handle materials. Indigenous and exotic wood species, stabilized wood varieties in a multitude of colors, antler material, and even authentic mammoth tooth and ivory.
The first day of your course we welcome you to our forgery with cup of coffee or tea and a slice of traditional Twents raisin bread. After a brief explanation, we will design your ideal knife. This can be a classic chef's knife, hunting knife, meat cleaver, Japanese Santoku, outdoor knife, or something entirely unique. From our extensive assortment of natural and stabilized wood types and spectacular composites you choose the material for your knife handle. We will help you every step of the way to realize your perfect design.
Then the real deal starts. You will compose your own damask package and subsequently fireweld it, with the use of hammer, anvil and airhammer. The package is folded en welded several times to reach the desired number of layers. This day you will truly experience the old craft and the heat necessary to forge the steel. The end result will be heated in the oven to 730 degrees Celsius, after which it slowly cools down during the night for us to be able to process it the next day.
Depending on the course, the second and possibly third day involve shaping your own piece of raw Damascus into a knife. First we draw the shape of the knife on the plaque in order to be able to saw and grind it in its rough shape. Then we make the perfect plane and the exact desired thickness with use of the pot-grinding machine. With state-of-the-art knife cutters we shape and sharpen the blade. Manual filing and sanding give the knife its finishing touch. After drilling holes for attachment of the knife handle we perform an optimal heat treatment of the steel. After hardening and cooling down in special hardening oil, we temper the steel so that it becomes tougher. After this the knife is etched, to reveal the knife’s own unique damask pattern. The rest of the day we spend on preparing and processing the knife handle.
Next, the chosen knife handle is mounted and shaped. By sanding and polishing the true beauty of the wood or composite reveals itself. A moment of awe! Finally, the knife is cut razor-sharp! With expert guidance, the use of high-quality materials, and the best machinery, we ensure a first-class end result that not only looks stunning but also boasts excellent material properties, sharpness, and a hardness of HRC 60-61!
Group size max. 4 persons
580,-
per person
Group size max. 4 persons
640,-
per person
Exclusive! Group size maximum 3 persons
1320,-
per person
We are available to provide advice and assistance, no experience or prior knowledge necessary!
You can also make a reservation by telephone (or by Whatsapp) via +31 618599660 (Gerwin Leus)
In the calendar below, you'll find the various forging courses (BASIC, PLUS, and PREMIUM). Choose a suitable date for the course of your choice. Clicking on it will take you to the booking page. Good luck with booking, and enjoy the anticipation!
YOU CAN ALSO CALL TO MAKE A RESERVATION: +31 6 18599660 (Gerwin Leus)
| monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
1
|