Knifemaking
Teaching people how to make knives is why Tharwa Valley Forge was started. Our award winning bladesmiths teach classes every weekend and most weekdays, all year round to a diverse range of people of all ages.
Our instructors and facilities are of the highest standard and our waiting list is a testament to the reputation of our classes. Our knifemaking courses range from one-day to one-week and are suitable for ages 16 and up.
Friction Folding Knives
Introduction to making a friction folding knife in one day. This one day workshop will help you get started into making pocket knives. Knife design, grinding, heat treating, blade finishes, scale making and sharpening are all covered.
We will show you techniques, tools and hints on how to get started making your own friction folder knives with minimal equipment in one day.
One Day, One Knife
Introduction to making knives by stock removal. This one day workshop will help you get started into knifemaking. Knife design, grinding, heat treating, blade finishes, scale making and sharpening are all covered.
We will show you techniques, tools and hints on how to get started making your own knives with minimal equipment, as you make your own knife today.
Japanese Knifemaking
Japanese kitchen knives have distinct elegance in both form and function. In this intensive weekend course you will build two traditional style Japanese kitchen knives. Options include hammer finished or polished blades, chisel grind or V grind and a variety of handles choices. These blades will provide you with years of excellent service in your kitchen.
Forged Outdoor Knives
Always wanted to make a knife but didn't know where to begin? This extensive weekend workshop will give you the opportunity not only to learn these skills, but to put them into practice making two hand forged outdoor knives of your own. We will show you techniques, tools and hints on how to get started making your own knives.
Knifemaking Foundations
A one week immersive course in knifemaking for those who want to get a solid start. The course covers the knife making process with extra focus on forging, grinding and heat treatment of carbon steels. You will also make your own forge so you can continue to make and heat treat at home.
Stainless Kitchen Knives
Make two custom stainless steel full-tang kitchen knives and learn the basics of knife maintenance.
This is a course for anyone who wants to make their own stainless steel knives, regardless of whether they've never touched a tool in their life or they're a seasoned maker looking to learn more about working with stainless steel.
We will explain the techniques, equipment and little tricks (especially for heat treating stainless steel) that will get you started making your own knives from stainless steel. In addition, you'll receive a free professional-grade ceramic honing rod along with the knowledge and skills required to keep your kitchen knives in top condition.
Slip Joint Folding Knives
Creating a folding knife adds a level of complexity and precision to knife making, and our course makes this achievable by anyone. Learn about some of the common mechanisms used in locking and non-locking folding knives before beginning the process of making your own single blade slip joint folder.
This course is taught by Alistair Phillips, the first Australian to ever design a production folding knife for Spyderco.
Stainless Outdoor Knives & Sheaths
Make two custom stainless steel full-tang outdoor knives together with two custom fitted Kydex sheaths. Whether you are hunting, camping, fishing or out field in the military, these knives won’t let you down.
The course goes for two and a half days and is over 20 hours long.
Bowie Knifemaking
Make your own custom Bowie Knife. This is a course for people who want to make a BIG knife.
Suitable for anyone who has forged at least five knives before. This course will teach you the pitfalls and secrets to success behind making these iconic outdoor knives. Ideal for bladesmiths looking to invest in their skills.
“That’s not a knife…”