Make a Damascus Billet
Experience

Make a Damascus Billet

£295.00
BUY GIFT VOUCHER - FLEXIBLE DATES
ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE

Discover the fascinating art of creating pattern-welded steel, commonly known as Damascus steel, in this immersive one-day bladesmithing experience.

Using traditional forge-welding techniques combined with modern equipment, you'll transform layers of two premium carbon steels—1084 and 15N20—into your own striking Damascus billet. Renowned for its flowing patterns, exceptional performance and timeless beauty, Damascus steel has been prized by bladesmiths for centuries.

Guided by our expert instructors, with every stage demonstrated live, you'll learn the complete process of creating your billet, including:

  • 🔥 Forge safety and workshop techniques
  • ⚒️ Using a gas forge and hydraulic press
  • 🧱 Selecting, cutting and stacking steel layers
  • 🔗 Forge welding multiple layers into a solid billet
  • 🔨 Drawing out, restacking and shaping to develop your unique pattern
  • ✨ Grinding, finishing and test etching to reveal the beautiful Damascus pattern

No previous blacksmithing or bladesmithing experience is required. Whether you're simply fascinated by Damascus steel or planning to make your own knives in the future, this course provides the perfect introduction to one of the most rewarding skills in modern bladesmithing.

By the end of the day, you'll take home your own 40–60 layer Damascus billet, approximately 300 × 40 × 6 mm—enough material to create two large kitchen knives, three smaller knives, or another project of your choosing.

Please note: This experience focuses exclusively on creating a Damascus steel billet. Participants will not make a finished knife or other completed product during this course.

 

AGENDA ON THE DAY

Morning

  • Arrival & Check-in
  • Introduction, PPE, & Safety Briefing
  • Selection of compatible steels, measuring, cutting & cleaning
  • Welding the initial billet
  • Drawing out the billet using the forge & hydraulic press

Afternoon

  • Cutting, grinding & re-stacking billet
  • Welding up of second billet
  • Drawing out the billet to rough shape
  • Drawing out to final shape and dimensions
  • Cutting, finishing & test etching
  • Wrap-up & Close
TIMINGS / ADMIN
  • The day will typically begin at 1000, and run until approximately 1630.
  • Safety equipment is provided, but please ensure that you wear non-flammable clothing and sturdy shoes (preferably leather).
  • Tea / Coffee / Biscuits will be provided.  There are many local shops/cafes nearby for lunch.
  • Please note, due to space and safety issues, spectators are not permitted on these courses.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY

STEP ONE

Arrive at the forge and get settled in for the day. Meet your instructor, grab a tea or coffee, explore the workshop, and get to know the fellow makers you'll be sharing the experience with.

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WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY

STEP TWO

After a thorough safety briefing we'll get downstairs and start working through the forging process. Taught step-by-step, you will see your creation come to life over the course of the day. We'll take regular breaks as the work allows, and answer all questions as we go.

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WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY

STEP THREE

After the day is done, we'll head back upstairs for a short debrief, taking off aprons/PPE. Finally, we'll give some care instructions for the items, and wrap them up safely for the journey home.

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