Course trailer
About this course
In this exclusive online course, internationally acclaimed bladesmith and TV personality Owen Bush helps you get started forging knives in your own home. Through his step-by-step video classes, you will learn how to set up a small forge and make a blacksmith's knife using only hand tools. The blade and the handle are both made from one piece of steel so you will learn a wide variety of forging techniques. This introductory course does not require any prior experience, just a bit of will-power. It will equip you with the techniques, skills and confidence to finally start heating up metal and shaping it with a hammer.
Meet your new teacher
Owen has been one of the world's leading bladesmiths for nearly a quarter of a century. Known for his expertise in reproducing complex Viking and Saxon swords and knives, he still enjoys creating simple pieces too. His passion for the craft is deeply rooted in his fascination for the human condition and our need to make things with our hands. He's particularly interested in the blades of the Viking and Saxon era and much of his work consists of making museum quality Viking and Saxon swords seaxes, axes and knives - www.owenbush.co.uk
Meet Owen Bush
What's included in the course?
This course has been specially produced by our team of BAFTA and EMMY-winning filmmakers
Set up a basic forge
Learn how to safely set up a basic forge and small anvil in your back yard.
Get the right tools
You won't need many tools and some you will already have. Owen will show you the best affordable setup.
Forge the blade and handle
Learn to forge the variety of complex shapes that make up this piece, including the curved blade and scrolled, ergonomic handle.
Shape the bevels
After forging the blade, you'll learn to grind the bevels using hand tools.
Heat treat the knife
Learn how to normalise, quench and temper the blade to give it the perfect combination of hardness and toughness. This means it will hold an edge but won't be brittle.
Sharpen the blade
Learn how to put a perfect, razor-sharp edge on the blade.