The General Blacksmith by Malcolm Paine has just been released in Western Australia and I can truly recommend it to any knife maker thinking of turning to the dark side and forging blades.
We've added a tutorial on how to make a propane gas forge.
It's not too hard, it just takes some time. Feel free to use and develop the ideas. Details on how to make the burners coming soon. We accept not responsibility on the use of forges you make with this information. Please be careful.
Tharwa Valley Forge does make these forges to order complete with burner and gas fittings. See our shop for more details.
Tharwa Valley Forge was established in 2003 by bladesmith Karim Haddad to create high quality knives and tools that are both attractive and functional. Karim was trained by Australia's only Master Bladesmith, Thomas Gerner, in the early 1990's in Western Australia. The Forge is located at theblueroof gallery in Tharwa, Canberra Australia.
Teaching and learning is a key part of the forge. Regular classes are run to pass on skills and share information. We aim to be the best knifemaking school in Australia offering a wide range of courses and opportunities.
Courses are rated either Basic, Intermediate or Advanced. Basic courses have no pre-requsites other than an interest and willingness to learn. They cover all the steps needed to begin developing the skills. Intermediate courses require previous experience in the topic. This can be from previous courses or similar experiences. They focus more on skill development and practice until levels of proficency are gained. Advanced courses are designed for people with proven skill levels and focus on quite difficult techniques. A discussion with the staff at Tharwa Valley Forge is essential before acceptance on an advanced course.
Our website aims to encourage this learning to continue through resources, tutorials, articles and discussion that takes place. We hope you learn something from your visit. We are always interested in feeedback on how to make this site better. Come back soon and see us again.
Damascus (Advanced)
This
intensive weekend course is an introduction to Pattern Welded or Damascus
steel. You will learn techniques in welding, folding and patterning
beautiful and unique steel. We'll be using a hydraulic power press to make the
welds and draw down the billets.
You
will make two billets and two forged blades to keep and finish
into knives. The billets will allow you to make a number of other
knives in the future.
The
course goes from Friday night until Sunday Afternoon. For starting
dates of next courses see the upcoming courses list on the side panel
Cost - $880 (incl GST)
Cost includes: Tuition, insurance, materials, use of tools, workshop consumables, safety gear, tea and coffee.
Need to bring: Lunch, appropriate clothing and covered footwear
Some
experience in knifemaking or blacksmithing is an advantage for the course.
There is a limit of only two places per course
Bladesmithing and Knifemaking Course (Basic)
Learn the art of bladesmithing and knife making from Bladesmith Karim Haddad. This extensive weekend workshop will give you the opportunity not only to learn these skills, but to make a hand forged knife of your own. Karim will guide a small group through the processes to hand forge and craft a tool that you would be proud to own and use.
The course goes from Friday night until Sunday Afternoon. For starting dates of next courses see the upcoming courses list on the side panel
Cost - $550 (incl GST)
Cost includes: Tuition, insurance, materials, use of tools, workshop consumables, safety gear, tea and coffee.
Need to bring: Lunch, appropriate clothing and covered footwear
This is an introductory course that assumes no prior knowledge, just enthusiasm and desire to learn.
Gift vouchers are available for our courses. Each voucher comes as a beautiful full colour certificate with the recipients name on it and the course you have organised. The price is the same as the course. They are valid for a year after purchase.
Contact us to organise a gift they will never forget.
Teaching and learning is a key part of the forge. Regular classes are run to pass on skills and share information. We aim to be the best knifemaking school in Australia offering a wide range of courses and opportunities.
This
intensive weekend course is an introduction to Pattern Welded or Damascus
steel. You will learn techniques in welding, folding and patterning
beautiful and unique steel. We'll be using a hydraulic power press to make the
welds and draw down the billets.
You
will make two billets and two forged blades to keep and finish
into knives. The billets will allow you to make a number of other
knives in the future.
