Forging courses in Laufen near Basel · bladesmith since 1998
Forge yourown knife.
A knife, axe or sword in Damascus steel – step by step, in small groups of 1–6 people. No experience needed.
Received a voucher? How to redeem itForging courses
Knife & sword forging courses
Knives
1 day · CHF 400 / 650
One-day knife forging course
Your own simple kitchen or outdoor knife in one day – in carbon steel or in Damascus steel I have prepared for you.
A kitchen or outdoor knife in a single day.
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2 days · CHF 980
Two-day Damascus steel course
You forge your own Damascus steel from scratch – about 100 layers in a “wild” pattern – and make your knife from it.
Your own 80-layer Damascus – and a knife from it.
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3 days · CHF 1600
Three-day course – advanced knives & Damascus steel
For more complex Damascus techniques or a larger, more elaborate knife – for beginners and experienced makers.
Advanced Damascus techniques or a larger knife.
Find out moreAxes
1 day · CHF 500 / 850
One-day axe forging course
A simple axe with a head of about 600 g – in carbon steel or prepared Damascus steel.
A simple axe with a head of about 600 g.
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2 days · CHF 1200
Two-day Damascus axe course
Your own axe in Damascus steel you forge yourself – heads up to about 1.2 kg, including Viking-style bearded axes.
Your Damascus axe up to 1.2 kg – Viking style too.
Find out moreSwords
4 days · CHF 2900 / 3400
Four-day sword forging course
A simple katana or European sword – an introduction to the complex craft of swordsmithing.
A simple katana or European sword.
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6 days · CHF 4900
Six-day Damascus sword course
Your own sword in Damascus steel you forge yourself (100–1,000 layers) – including fittings you make yourself.
A sword in your own Damascus, fittings included.
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10+ days · from CHF 7,900
Individual sword course, 10 days or more
Traditional, elaborate swords with great attention to detail – every fitting made by hand. Individual quote.
Traditional swords, every detail made by hand.
Find out moreImpressions from the courses
Fire, anvil and the first blades of your own – photos from my courses.
What participants say
Selected feedback after the course.
The class was well structured, hands-on, and inspiring from start to finish. […] By the end of the course, I not only completed a knife that I’m proud of, but also learned a lot about the craft and the mindset behind it.
I had my doubts whether it was even possible, as neither of us had any experience. We were well guided through every step, whether forging or making the handle. […] The time went far too quickly.
I learnt more than ever before, even though I’ve had a reasonably well-equipped hobby forge for ten years.
Course information at a glance
Details: Course info
- Course days
- Tuesday to Sunday, your choice
- Time
- 09:30 to about 17:30
- Participants
- 1–6 people, sword courses 1–2 · private events up to 7 on request
- Minimum age
- 14, sword courses 16
- Included
- Everything for your knife, plus safety equipment · special woods, horn etc. on request at extra cost
- Lunch
- Not included – bring your own (microwave available), order in, restaurants in Laufen, or the barbecue for CHF 5 a day (bring your own food)
- Location
- Workshop in Laufen, near Basel
- Languages
- German and English – French or Italian on request