Damascus Forging Class
This course offers a hands-on experience in crafting Damascus steel, known for its historical significance and unique patterns. Participants, preferably with previous forge-work experience, will learn to prepare, construct, and forge their own steel billet.
Using two grades of carbon steel, participants will fireweld pre-prepared stacks together using a forge and anvil. The stacked layers will be flattened and combined, forming a single billet. Through hammering, drilling, and twisting, participants can create personalized patterns in their steel, and the final product will be theirs to take home.
For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must be in attendance. Minimum age is 16.
What to bring
For your safety and comfort during the workshop, I kindly request that you wear old, non-flammable clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. Please avoid wearing fleeces, jogging bottoms, or clothing made from similar materials in the workshop.
For footwear, the ideal choice would be steel-toe boots, leather boots, or sturdy footwear. To ensure your safety, sandals or open-toed shoes will not be permitted in the working area. This precaution is essential, as no alternative can be offered, and it helps minimize the risk of serious injury.
Additionally, please ensure that your trousers cover the top opening of your footwear. This simple measure will help prevent any hot steel or shrapnel from falling into your shoes, reducing the risk of injury. Your safety is a top priority, so let’s make sure we’re geared up appropriately for a productive and secure workshop experience.
Refreshments
Fortunately, there’s a range of options for your convenience in the immediate area. You’ll find shops and cafes serving good food at reasonable prices. Additionally, there’s a small corner shop and a Sainsbury’s store nearby.
If you prefer bringing your own food, there’s a small seating area in the kitchen equipped with a kettle and microwave facilities. Feel free to make use of the available fridge to store any items you bring along. Whether you choose to explore the local dining options or bring a homemade meal, you’ll have the flexibility to make the most of your time in the workshop.
Bottled water & Teas/coffee are freely available
Social Media
Your comfort and privacy during the courses are priorities for me. If you have any concerns about the sharing of images and videos, please communicate them. By default, images taken will be used for a teaching portfolio on my website and social media accounts, including Facebook and Instagram. However, if you’d rather not be featured or have specific preferences, let me know, and I’ll respect your wishes. I’m here to ensure your experience is enjoyable and aligns with your expectations, and I appreciate your understanding in sharing the course highlights on social media.
Please send all booking enquiries to bookings@glitteringedge.com
Disclaimer
In this course, every step is tailored to optimise the outcome in bladesmithing and metallurgy. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that failures, whether large or small, may occur despite our best efforts. These could stem from unforeseen factors- including inherent flaws and stresses in the starting steel. Embracing the nature of smithing, we’ll do our utmost to address and work around any issues that arise, though this may not always be possible.
It’s crucial to recognise that the primary focus of the course is the experience itself, regardless of the final result. The journey, the skills gained, and the hands-on understanding of the craft are the true treasures of this bladesmithing adventure.
