Upcoming Courses
Looking for somewhere to stay during your course?
Defence Families' Blacksmithing
This is a one-day basic course designed to bring family members together to work on a project. The projects are designed to be something that a the family will go on to use together. It is suitable for young people aged 12-16 years and adults. 1 Adult and 1 young person per family.
At the end of the course, each pair of participants will have produced their choice of either:
A hand-forged BBQ set each (fork and knife)
OR
A cooking set for cooking over a campfire made together.
Japanese Knifemaking
Japanese kitchen knives have distinct elegance in both form and function. In this intensive two and a half day 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.
Stainless Outdoor Knives
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. At the end of this course you'll walk away with two outstanding handmade knives ready to wear on your belt.
This course is suitable for anyone, even if they haven't used tools before. If you're a knifemaker, this course will take the mystery out of working with stainless and show you how to get consistent results at home with only basic equipment.
Leather Bags
Learn the basics of traditional leatherwork through the process of making a leather bag. Choose from our catalogue of basic bags such as leather totes, handbags, tools bags, satchels, map cases, wallets and more. You’ll go home with a handcrafted leather bag along with the skills to make other leather products.
Suitable for adults and children age 16+
Blacksmithing Foundations
A one week immersive course in blacksmithing where you learn to make your own tools and a gas forge. The course covers making hammers, tongs, punches, drifts, forges and other blacksmithing tools. You get to take all the tools you make home with you as well as a gas forge so you can start making.
English Longbows
People have been making and shooting wooden bows for thousands of years; since before we had writing, permanent settlements and pottery. Cave paintings from untold eons past show our ancestors living and thriving by their skill with these elegant and sophisticated tools. Though the technology has been overtaken, making a bow from wood remains as thrilling and rewarding as it ever has been. In modern times, the hunt for the perfect wood bow is a pursuit unto itself.
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.
Camp Axe
Learn how to make an axe that excels at bushcraft and woodcraft tasks. On this one-day course you’ll forge a high-quality Canadian Camp Axe while learning the theory and practice of designing and making bush axes.
You’ll go home with a superb axe that can be used for cutting, chopping, splitting, felling, hewing, or hammering. Best of all, you’ll leave with the knowledge and skills to go on and make your own general purpose bush axes.
Sculptural Spheres
Sculpting with metal is easy to learn and rewarding to master. One you've got the basics down you're on your way - all you need is some inexpensive equipment and an artistic imagination. Suitable for people who have never-ever used tools in their life through to people who are comfortable working with metal
This one-day course for adults teaches participants the fundamental skills required to create sculptures at home. Our expert instructors will teach you these skills by guiding you through the process of creating a visually striking sphere.
Defence Families' Blacksmithing
This is a one-day basic course designed to bring family members together to work on a project. The projects are designed to be something that a the family will go on to use together. It is suitable for young people aged 12-16 years and adults. 1 Adult and 1 young person per family.
At the end of the course, each pair of participants will have produced their choice of either:
A hand-forged BBQ set each (fork and knife)
OR
A cooking set for cooking over a campfire made together.
Damascus Kitchen Knifemaking
This intensive three day weekend course immerses you in the world of Pattern Welded or Damascus steel and kitchen knives. You will learn techniques in welding, folding and patterning beautiful and unique steel. We'll be using a hydraulic power press, power hammer and rolling mill to make the welds and draw down the billets. You will then make two kitchen knives with the steel.
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.
Firepits
Are you ready to turn up the heat on your creativity and learn the art of firepit construction? Join us for an exhilarating one-day workshop where you'll unleash your creativity and master the skills to design, fabricate, and finish stunning firepits. From understanding firepit aesthetics to welding and assembly techniques, our experienced artisans will guide you through every step of the process. Gain insights into materials, fire safety, and finishing touches, and ignite your passion for craftsmanship. Don't miss this opportunity to create your own firepit masterpiece.
Essential Blacksmithing
A lot of people want to get into blacksmithing - only a very small percentage are successful learning on their own.
Learn more in a day than you would spending a year or two floundering around by yourself. Build muscle memory so you know that you’re hitting right. Get an idea of how metal behaves when different processes are applied.
Camp Axe
Learn how to make an axe that excels at bushcraft and woodcraft tasks. On this one-day course you’ll forge a high-quality Canadian Camp Axe while learning the theory and practice of designing and making bush axes.
You’ll go home with a superb axe that can be used for cutting, chopping, splitting, felling, hewing, or hammering. Best of all, you’ll leave with the knowledge and skills to go on and make your own general purpose bush axes.
Japanese Knifemaking
Japanese kitchen knives have distinct elegance in both form and function. In this intensive two and a half day 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
Two and a half day introduction to knifemaking and bladesmithing. Covering forging, grinding, heat treating and sharpening of two outdoor knives with hidden tangs.
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.
Leatherworking Foundations
The key to getting into leatherwork isn't just learning basic skills. It’s about meta-skills. To be successful, you need to learn how to learn leatherwork.
Our five-day Leatherwork Foundations course will teach you the fundamental leatherwork skills required to successfully complete intermediate level projects. Importantly, you’ll also learn how to avoid wasting money on tools and material and how to choose projects that will end in success and growth. This course is suitable for anyone aged 16 years and up, no prior leatherwork experience necessary.
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.
Japanese Knifemaking
Japanese kitchen knives have distinct elegance in both form and function. In this intensive two and a half day 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.
Sculptural Spheres
Sculpting with metal is easy to learn and rewarding to master. One you've got the basics down you're on your way - all you need is some inexpensive equipment and an artistic imagination. Suitable for people who have never-ever used tools in their life through to people who are comfortable working with metal
This one-day course for adults teaches participants the fundamental skills required to create sculptures at home. Our expert instructors will teach you these skills by guiding you through the process of creating a visually striking sphere.
Damascus Steel
Introduction to Damascus steel making - Forge welding, drawing billets out, pattern construction and acid etching.
Knife sharpening
Evening class that covers a number of different techniques for making and keeping an edge sharp.
Damascus Kitchen Knifemaking
This intensive three day weekend course immerses you in the world of Pattern Welded or Damascus steel and kitchen knives. You will learn techniques in welding, folding and patterning beautiful and unique steel. We'll be using a hydraulic power press, power hammer and rolling mill to make the welds and draw down the billets. You will then make two kitchen knives with the steel.
Japanese Knifemaking
Japanese kitchen knives have distinct elegance in both form and function. In this intensive two and a half day 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.
Family Sculpture
Share the experience of making something beautiful and enduring. Spend quality family time together making a 70cm diameter spherical garden sculpture. This is a sculpture course for kids aged 10-14 accompanied by an adult.
Working in adult / child pairs, you'll learn fundamental metal sculpting techniques by forming and welding patterns into a visually striking sphere.
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 two and a half day 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.
Damascus Kitchen Knifemaking
This intensive three day weekend course immerses you in the world of Pattern Welded or Damascus steel and kitchen knives. You will learn techniques in welding, folding and patterning beautiful and unique steel. We'll be using a hydraulic power press, power hammer and rolling mill to make the welds and draw down the billets. You will then make two kitchen knives with the steel.
Firepits
Are you ready to turn up the heat on your creativity and learn the art of firepit construction? Join us for an exhilarating one-day workshop where you'll unleash your creativity and master the skills to design, fabricate, and finish stunning firepits. From understanding firepit aesthetics to welding and assembly techniques, our experienced artisans will guide you through every step of the process. Gain insights into materials, fire safety, and finishing touches, and ignite your passion for craftsmanship. Don't miss this opportunity to create your own firepit masterpiece.
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.
Camp Axe
Learn how to make an axe that excels at bushcraft and woodcraft tasks. On this one-day course you’ll forge a high-quality Canadian Camp Axe while learning the theory and practice of designing and making bush axes.
You’ll go home with a superb axe that can be used for cutting, chopping, splitting, felling, hewing, or hammering. Best of all, you’ll leave with the knowledge and skills to go on and make your own general purpose bush axes.
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.
Custom Leather Aprons
Imagine your own custom leather apron made from heavy duty, premium leather. It fits you perfectly and has the right pockets, for the right tools, in the right places. That’s what this course is all about.
Learn how to make leather aprons by making your very own custom apron on this one day course.
These leather workshop aprons are tough. They are ideal for blacksmiths, bladesmiths, woodworkers, or anyone who spends time in a workshop, studio or garage.
Suitable for adults and children age 14+
Exhibitors - Canberra Custom Knife Show
Join us at Cuppacumbalong Homestead in Tharwa ACT for the 2024 Canberra Knife Show.
Japanese Knifemaking
Japanese kitchen knives have distinct elegance in both form and function. In this intensive two and a half day 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.
Stainless Outdoor Knives
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. At the end of this course you'll walk away with two outstanding handmade knives ready to wear on your belt.
This course is suitable for anyone, even if they haven't used tools before. If you're a knifemaker, this course will take the mystery out of working with stainless and show you how to get consistent results at home with only basic equipment.
Decorative Blacksmithing Introduction
Learn how to coax steel into organic shapes on this one-day course. Our experienced instructors will introduce you to using fullers and hammers to form organic shapes, culminating in the creation of a spectacular iron rose. This course is ideal for both absolute beginners looking to try blacksmithing and blacksmiths who are seeking to broaden their repertoire under the guidance of an expert.
Leather Masks and Goggles
Learn the basics of traditional leatherwork through the process of making a leather mask or set of steampunk goggles. By the end of the course, you'll have completed your very own funky leather mask or goggles, ready to be showcased and cherished, along with the skills to continue with leatherworking at home.
This course requires no previous experience. Our job is to guide, instruct, and help you recover from any accidents.
Suitable for adults and children age 16+
Forged Outdoor Knives
Two and a half day introduction to knifemaking and bladesmithing. Covering forging, grinding, heat treating and sharpening of two outdoor knives with hidden tangs.
Knife sharpening
Evening class that covers a number of different techniques for making and keeping an edge sharp.
Damascus Kitchen Knifemaking
This intensive three day weekend course immerses you in the world of Pattern Welded or Damascus steel and kitchen knives. You will learn techniques in welding, folding and patterning beautiful and unique steel. We'll be using a hydraulic power press, power hammer and rolling mill to make the welds and draw down the billets. You will then make two kitchen knives with the steel.
Sculptural Spheres
Sculpting with metal is easy to learn and rewarding to master. One you've got the basics down you're on your way - all you need is some inexpensive equipment and an artistic imagination. Suitable for people who have never-ever used tools in their life through to people who are comfortable working with metal
This one-day course for adults teaches participants the fundamental skills required to create sculptures at home. Our expert instructors will teach you these skills by guiding you through the process of creating a visually striking sphere.
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.
Custom Leather Aprons
Imagine your own custom leather apron made from heavy duty, premium leather. It fits you perfectly and has the right pockets, for the right tools, in the right places. That’s what this course is all about.
Learn how to make leather aprons by making your very own custom apron on this one day course.
These leather workshop aprons are tough. They are ideal for blacksmiths, bladesmiths, woodworkers, or anyone who spends time in a workshop, studio or garage.
Suitable for adults and children age 14+
Camp Axe
Learn how to make an axe that excels at bushcraft and woodcraft tasks. On this one-day course you’ll forge a high-quality Canadian Camp Axe while learning the theory and practice of designing and making bush axes.
You’ll go home with a superb axe that can be used for cutting, chopping, splitting, felling, hewing, or hammering. Best of all, you’ll leave with the knowledge and skills to go on and make your own general purpose bush axes.
Essential Blacksmithing
A lot of people want to get into blacksmithing - only a very small percentage are successful learning on their own.
Learn more in a day than you would spending a year or two floundering around by yourself. Build muscle memory so you know that you’re hitting right. Get an idea of how metal behaves when different processes are applied.
Intro to Leatherwork - Book Covers
Learn the basics of traditional leatherwork through the process of covering a book. You’ll go home with a handcrafted book cover and journal along with the skills to make your own book covers to protect your own cherished books, diaries and notebooks.
Making your first leather book cover introduces you to essential techniques such as cutting, burnishing, stitching, stamping and more. Most importantly, you’ll learn how leather behaves as it is fitted around solid bodies. This means you’ll be able to make more of your own book covers, as well as covers and cases for objects with similar shapes such as a phone or tablet.
Suitable for adults and children age 12+
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.
Damascus Kitchen Knifemaking
This intensive three day weekend course immerses you in the world of Pattern Welded or Damascus steel and kitchen knives. You will learn techniques in welding, folding and patterning beautiful and unique steel. We'll be using a hydraulic power press, power hammer and rolling mill to make the welds and draw down the billets. You will then make two kitchen knives with the steel.
Japanese Knifemaking
Japanese kitchen knives have distinct elegance in both form and function. In this intensive two and a half day 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.
Teen Blacksmithing
One day introduction to Blacksmithing for younger people. This challenging class is for 12 - 16 year olds. Experience the excitement of moving hot metal with hammers and other tools. A great way to get started on your blacksmithing journey.
Knife sharpening
Evening class that covers a number of different techniques for making and keeping an edge sharp.
Forged Outdoor Knives
Two and a half day introduction to knifemaking and bladesmithing. Covering forging, grinding, heat treating and sharpening of two outdoor knives with hidden tangs.
Japanese Knifemaking
Japanese kitchen knives have distinct elegance in both form and function. In this intensive two and a half day 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.
Sculptural Spheres
Sculpting with metal is easy to learn and rewarding to master. One you've got the basics down you're on your way - all you need is some inexpensive equipment and an artistic imagination. Suitable for people who have never-ever used tools in their life through to people who are comfortable working with metal
This one-day course for adults teaches participants the fundamental skills required to create sculptures at home. Our expert instructors will teach you these skills by guiding you through the process of creating a visually striking sphere.
Family Blacksmithing
Our Family Blacksmithing courses are a popular way for families to unplug from the digital world and spend quality time together. Experience the excitement of the traditional art of Blacksmithing and reconnect with the joy of making something with your own hands.
Blacksmithing Foundations
A one week immersive course in blacksmithing where you learn to make your own tools and a gas forge. The course covers making hammers, tongs, punches, drifts, forges and other blacksmithing tools. You get to take all the tools you make home with you as well as a gas forge so you can start making.
Leatherworking Foundations
The key to getting into leatherwork isn't just learning basic skills. It’s about meta-skills. To be successful, you need to learn how to learn leatherwork.
Our five-day Leatherwork Foundations course will teach you the fundamental leatherwork skills required to successfully complete intermediate level projects. Importantly, you’ll also learn how to avoid wasting money on tools and material and how to choose projects that will end in success and growth. This course is suitable for anyone aged 16 years and up, no prior leatherwork experience necessary.
Teen Blacksmithing
One day introduction to Blacksmithing for younger people. This challenging class is for 12 - 16 year olds. Experience the excitement of moving hot metal with hammers and other tools. A great way to get started on your blacksmithing journey.
Asado BBQ
A South American tradition, the asado BBQ can also be used to cook in a variety of other BBQ styles, including some you may already be familiar with, that use spits and grills.
Of course, a spectacular BBQ deserves spectacular equipment. Asides from making your own asado BBQ, you’ll also be making a massive stainless steel carving knife out of fine Swedish cutlery steel. Best of all you’ll learn how to use what you make during a BBQ feast on the course.
No BBQ or metalwork experience necessary; this course is suitable for anyone age 16 and up.
Straight Razors
Make the last razor you will ever use - a razor that if properly cared for will be handed down across generations.
There's a reason people still go to the barber for a Straight Razor shave. Disposable razors are convenient, but the results can't compare to a Straight Razor.
Also known as a "Cut Throat", a Straight Razor will virtually melt the hair off your face. Despite its keen edge, a Straight Razor is just as safe as a disposable razor when used with correct technique.
The Thing
A four-day Viking festival of making. Forge your own Viking knives, helmet, axe and shield.
Japanese Knifemaking
Japanese kitchen knives have distinct elegance in both form and function. In this intensive two and a half day 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.
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.
Damascus Kitchen Knifemaking
This intensive three day weekend course immerses you in the world of Pattern Welded or Damascus steel and kitchen knives. You will learn techniques in welding, folding and patterning beautiful and unique steel. We'll be using a hydraulic power press, power hammer and rolling mill to make the welds and draw down the billets. You will then make two kitchen knives with the steel.
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.
Damascus Steel
Introduction to Damascus steel making - Forge welding, drawing billets out, pattern construction and acid etching.
Japanese Knifemaking
Japanese kitchen knives have distinct elegance in both form and function. In this intensive two and a half day 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
Two and a half day introduction to knifemaking and bladesmithing. Covering forging, grinding, heat treating and sharpening of two outdoor knives with hidden tangs.
Sculptural Spheres
Sculpting with metal is easy to learn and rewarding to master. One you've got the basics down you're on your way - all you need is some inexpensive equipment and an artistic imagination. Suitable for people who have never-ever used tools in their life through to people who are comfortable working with metal
This one-day course for adults teaches participants the fundamental skills required to create sculptures at home. Our expert instructors will teach you these skills by guiding you through the process of creating a visually striking sphere.
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.
Knife sharpening
Evening class that covers a number of different techniques for making and keeping an edge sharp.
Damascus Kitchen Knifemaking
This intensive three day weekend course immerses you in the world of Pattern Welded or Damascus steel and kitchen knives. You will learn techniques in welding, folding and patterning beautiful and unique steel. We'll be using a hydraulic power press, power hammer and rolling mill to make the welds and draw down the billets. You will then make two kitchen knives with the steel.
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.
Damascus Kitchen Knifemaking
This intensive three day weekend course immerses you in the world of Pattern Welded or Damascus steel and kitchen knives. You will learn techniques in welding, folding and patterning beautiful and unique steel. We'll be using a hydraulic power press, power hammer and rolling mill to make the welds and draw down the billets. You will then make two kitchen knives with the steel.