Courses / Knives
Three-day course – advanced knives & Damascus steel
For more complex Damascus techniques or a larger, more elaborate knife – for beginners and experienced makers.
This course is for anyone who wants to learn more complex Damascus techniques (twist, composite, simple mosaic patterns, feather Damascus) – or who simply wants to make a larger, more elaborate knife.
For example traditional three-layer Japanese kitchen knives with a single bevel (deba, yanagiba), large hunting and outdoor knives with elaborate handles and guards, a Nepalese kukri, a tanto – or your own design.
No experience is needed. For hobby knifemakers and people with workshop experience, it is the ideal course for advanced techniques.
What is Damascus steel? History, myths, how it’s made
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any experience?
No. Every course is open to every level – whether you are standing at an anvil for the first time or already have some experience.
When does the course start?
The workshop opens at 09:30 – not before, as I need the time beforehand to prepare the course. So there’s no need to arrive early. The day ends at about 17:30. More under Course info.
What should I wear – and do I need safety gear?
Sturdy work clothes in cotton or a cotton blend – no purely synthetic fabrics, as they can melt on contact with flames – and sturdy shoes.
I provide the safety gear: work gloves, safety glasses, ear protection and dust masks for grinding. You are welcome to bring your own; I’ll check with you whether it suits the work we do. More under Course info.
What about lunch?
Lunch is not included; the break is about an hour. You can bring your own (there is a microwave, and a gas barbecue for CHF 5 a day, self-catering), have something delivered, or eat at one of the restaurants and shops in Laufen. More under Course info.
Is the knife finished and sharp at the end?
Yes – that is the aim of every course: you go home with a finished, sharp knife.
Can I choose the shape myself?
Yes. You are very welcome to bring sketches, photos or examples; at the start of the course we take time for your design, and I help you with it. There is also a large selection of templates to start from – but you don’t have to use them.
Which steels and handle materials are there?
Steel: the standard is a simple, proven carbon steel, usually 1075 or 1080. Other steels are available at a surcharge; whether and which steel suits is my decision.
Damascus steel: on the one-day course you work with Damascus I have prepared – the steels and number of layers are my choice. On the two-day course you forge your Damascus billet yourself, from scratch.
Stainless: possible at a surcharge. However, only a simple stainless steel such as 420B can be forged; with most other stainless steels the knife is ground from solid stock rather than forged.
Handle: a selection of local hardwoods is included; special materials are available at a surcharge (CHF 10 to 60).
More on steels and Damascus: Damascus steel.
Do I get a sheath?
A sheath is not included. On request I make you a Kydex sheath: a simple storage sheath for CHF 40, or a belt-carry or clip version for CHF 80. There is usually time for it during the course; if not, I send you the knife with the Kydex sheath a few days later – free within Switzerland, at cost abroad.
Can I give the course as a gift?
Yes, with a voucher: buy it online, receive it straight away as a PDF by e-mail, valid for two years – the recipient picks the date. Vouchers
Can I have a say in the steel and number of layers?
Yes – on the three-day course the steel and Damascus depend on your design and project. We decide it together.
What participants say
Selected feedback after the course.
On the three-day knife forging course I made a very beautiful knife that was exactly what I wanted. […] I found the theory and history behind the steel and the knives fascinating.
Three great days, lots of interesting and instructive information, very good espresso, and a beautiful knife at the end. Thank you – it was great fun!
My expectations were exceeded […] – absolutely worth it. It was my first, but definitely not my last, forged piece.
Course examples – Three-day course – advanced knives & Damascus steel
