Swordsmithing

Swordsmithing Masterclass: Forge Your Own Sword

Join us for an unforgettable deep-dive into traditional bladesmithing, where you’ll forge your very own sword from raw steel to finished weapon.

In this intensive masterclass, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the historic process of sword making. Over the course of your build, you’ll learn how to:

Forge the blade, crossguard, and pommel
Grind and refine the blade profile
Harden and temper the steel for strength and performance
Polish the blade to bring out its character
Carve and shape a wooden grip
Fit and assemble the hilt using traditional medieval methods

By the end of your course, you’ll take home your own handcrafted dragonslayer — made by you using 3000 year old techniques!

Course Format

This masterclass is currently offered as a private experience only, allowing us to tailor the pace and support to your project.

Minimum duration: 3 days
Recommended for best finish: 4–5 days
Damascus blades or fittings: minimum 4 days

The best first step is to get in touch to discuss your sword design. We’ll consider your current experience level and advise on the time needed to achieve the result you want.

Beginners are very welcome — we’ll teach you everything you need to know. That said, those with prior blacksmithing or knifemaking experience will be able to attempt more ambitious designs and achieve a higher level of finish.

If you’re ready to embark on the ultimate bladesmithing challenge — or simply want to explore what’s possible — get in touch to discuss your sword project. We’d love to help you bring it to life.

Pricing

3-day sword forging experience: £795 per person
Additional days: £300 per day
Maximum 3 participants per group
All participants must be 18+

Please note:

Discounts available for bookings with multiple participants. Contact for more info.
In 3 days we will cover the process of forging, hardening, tempering, grinding, polishing and sharpening the blade, along with fitting your hilt components consisting of crossguard, wooden grip and pommel. If you wish to modify this process, such as using alternative materials, adding more steps to the process (binding the hilt in leather, sewing a sheath or carving a scabbard, engravings, inlays, etc the project will take more time and will cost more.
Projects requiring materials we don’t normally stock (such as exotic woods, specialist leathers, or custom alloys) will affect the final price.

Materials & Equipment

Your blade will be forged from 1080 high carbon steel — an excellent choice that forges beautifully for beginners while producing a tough, high-performance blade that is straightforward to heat treat.

Alternatively, you can choose to forge your blade in damascus steel or another alloy, though we recommend this for more experienced smiths only!

We stock a variety of native hardwoods for your grip though you are most welcome to either bring your own (some like to, for sentimental value) or we can order in something more exotic, We can also cover binding the hilt with leather, forging more complex hilts, sewing sheathes or carving scabbards etc but these steps take time and will affect your final price.

You don't necessarily have to book dates consecutively!

What kind of swords can I forge?

There are some limits on the types of blades that are legal to make and own in the uk, and at Hammer and Hound Forge we want to ensure that you are safe in owning your blade.

There is a list of banned blades on the uk government's website, and the legislation affects swords in the following way:

Blades must be forged using traditional, historical means and techniques

Blades must not feature sawbacks, blade breakers or serrations

Participants must prove they are over 18 before a booking is made.

As of August 2025, "Ninja" weapons, constituted by a curved blade over 50cm with a tanto tip, are banned ( Ronan's Law), so we can no longer offer Katana forging.

So, swords that you can forge include: Iron Age, Celtic/Gaelic, Roman, Saxon, Viking, Norman, Medieval, Tudor, Renaissance and much more! please discuss with our smiths your intended project via our contact us page!