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 either by forging or stock removal.

Cost - $880 (incl GST)

Some experience in knifemaking or blacksmithing is an advantage for the course. 

Ever wanted to swing a hammer on hot steel and hear the ring of the anvil? This introductory course in blacksmithing get you in the hot seat with local blacksmith Iain Hamilton . 

Learn the basics of one of the oldest trades in history. The course is a two day event that involves theory and practical work of hot steel. It covers the basics of forming, drawing down, bending, twisting, upsetting and welding using the forge.

The course runs from Saturday 10am until Sunday 5pm, to allow your arms to recover overnight.

Class numbers are kept small with one on one teaching with each participant making a range of simple items,

Cost of the course is $550 (inc GST), and includes all materials, consumables and safety equipment. Individual bookings can be made through CIT Solutions, or contact us if you have a group and we can arrange a time that suits. 

This course is preparation to go on to more advanced blacksmithing courses that will be run on demand.

This one day intensive course is for people wanting to further develop their grinding skills. The course will be using the Radius Master 48" grinders as well as the DJ Grinder 72" belt grinder. It will cover 

• Hollow grinding
• Convex grinding
• Flat Grinding
• Chisel Grinding
• Profiling
• Shaping
• Edge geometry
• Finishing

Participants need to bring either some previously forged blades or, if using the stock removal method, profiled blanks. A minimum of four blades will be needed.

Course goes from 9am until 3:30pm and costs $200 - which includes belts, equipment, safety gear.  Please bring lunch.

This one day workshop further develops skills in forging blades. The emphasis is on improving skills through practice. Each participant will have an opportunity to forge a number of blades of diffeing sizes and shapes. Typically each participant will make 5 - 6 blades during the course, depending on individual skill and speed.

Course runs from 9am until 3:30pm. Please bring your lunch. Cost $200 

This course introduces the concept of forge welding cable to create patterns in the steel.  This not only makes attractive blades, but also a very tough, flexible blade that keeps a great edge. This process is called "pattern welding" or sometimes "Damascus" after the city which made the process famous.

The  finished blade is then etched in acid to bring out the patterns of the different parts of the cable - often with dramatic results.

A sharp knife is much safer than a blunt one. It cuts cleanly and does not slip, causing few accidents. Yet most people don’t know how to sharpen a knife and keep it sharp. This evening course, run by Bladesmith Karim Haddad, shows you the secrets of getting and maintaining a fine edge. Five different methods will be demonstrated in setting an edge as well as burr removal honing and touching up. Knife care and storage will also be covered to ensure you knife stays sharp. This will be followed with a practical session where you get to sharpen the knives that you have brought with you.

Cost is $75 for the evening – 7:30pm until 10:00pm.

There is a maximum of only six participants per class.