Japanese Damascus Chef's Knife Forging Course

Join us for a weekend of knifemaking. Focus on forging a damascus blade.



2 x 8 hours Class size 4 to 10 guests       $1,300

Welcome to our two-day knife making course. 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 deliciously rewarding once you realise that your usually clean hands are capable of doing hard things.
Your teacher, Tobi Bockholt, will guide you through the entire process competently and safely, and all equipment will be provided. Tobi is an accomplished knifemaker from Tassie. He will be teaching you how to forge a Damascus steel billet into an 8-inch blade before sharpening it and then shaping a traditional Japanese Wa-style handle using a durable acacia hardwood.
The Damascus billet will be a 120-layer pattern-welded steel forged from alternating layers of high-carbon 1084 and nickel-alloy 15N20. This construction offers exceptional edge retention and toughness, as well as producing intricate patterns.
What you'll get
  • The workshop runs over 2 days, and the end result will be a gorgeous, long-lasting knife, ready to take centre stage in the kitchen.
  • One Vietnamese banh mi sandwich from Nhu Lan Bakery is included for each day. Vegetarian options are available, and orders will be taken on the day.
Knowledge required
The workshop is suitable for absolute beginners, but some physical output is required. Minimum age for students is 18.
What to bring
Water bottle.
Session repeats

This class series runs over 2 consecutive days.

Suitable for

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

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

Location

60 Maribyrnong St, Footscray

Japanese Damascus Chef's Knife Forging Course 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 (48)

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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2026-06-26 15:00:00
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