San Mai Knife Making Course for Beginners

Make your own chef's knife using the San Mai technique



6 hours total (over 3 dates)

Class size 1 to 10 (public classes), 4 to 6
  $1,500

Get your hands dirty for a weekend of San Mai knife making.
We can promise that it will be hot and noisy at times and there won’t be a clean fingernail in sight, but it will also be enormously rewarding once you realize that your usually clean hands are capable of doing hard things.
Your teacher Halcyon Window (she/her) will guide you through the entire process competently and safely, and all equipment will be provided. Halcyon is an accomplished knife maker and she will be teaching the Japanese San Mai technique of layering different steels to produce a beautiful blade that holds a sharp edge and is durable and resilient.
We especially love the distinct aesthetics of the San Mai blades with their organic and ghost-like transitions between the different metals. They make a gorgeous addition to any kitchen regardless of one's cooking prowess, and at Waterside, we all agree we want one!
The workshop runs over 3 days during which participants will learn to forge a small paring knife first as a warm-up before getting stuck into the large chef’s knife.
The workshop is suitable for absolute beginners, but some physical output is required. Participants will use a power hammer and high-speed belt grinders. If you are unsure this workshop is for you, please get in touch, and hopefully, we will be able to put your mind at ease.
What you'll get
  • A large chef's knife and small paring knife to keep, makes a great gift for someone special.
  • All materials and safety equipment provided.
Knowledge required
  • Absolute beginners, no experience required.
  • Minimum age is 18.
What to bring
You should wear enclosed shoes, long-sleeved cotton shirt/pants and long hair tied back.
Session repeats

After the first session, the next session is: Saturday and Sunday 8:00am-4:00pm..

Suitable for

This class is great for a team building activity, Christmas party, birthday or hens party.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her or gift for mum.

Location

60 Maribyrnong St, Footscray VIC

San Mai Knife Making Course for Beginners location
Verified reviews



This is one of our newer classes, but here's what guests say about this teacher's other experiences:

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Your teacher

Waterside Metal Art Studio
Waterside Metal Art Studio

5.0 (32)

Steve offers a rare mix of passion, effervescent energy and a love of people, resulting in memorably experiences where everyone feels welcome...
And then... there is Harry, the resident forge hound with an equally sunny disposition who will greet you at the door with a big smile and wet nose!
Steve discovered the colourful world of blacksmithing in Belgium, during a midlife sabbatical. Upon return, with two big anvils and a legvice under his belt, he set up a forge in Footscray's picturesque Water's Edge Arts Precinct.
In 2013, he initiated Australia's first Blacksmiths Festival, now being held biannually on the banks of the Maribyrnong River and run by a team of volunteers.
Steve has a degree in Earth Sciences, studied blacksmithing at the Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, obtained a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and is currently completing a Certificate in Industrial Blacksmithing at TAFENSW.
Apart from teaching, he also offers a well equipped space for members to come together and forge.

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