Discover the art of knife forging in this beginner-friendly workshop at The Smithy's Knife studio. Crafted for outdoor lovers eager to create their own custom blade, this hands-on experience combines craftsmanship with scenic outdoor surroundings.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, participants should be comfortable standing and working for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
This forge has been part of the local outdoor craft scene for over a decade, rooted in traditional blacksmithing techniques.
Conservation
The studio emphasizes eco-friendly practices, recycling metal scraps and minimizing heat waste, making it a sustainable choice for craft lovers.
Waterside Metal Art Studio
Discover the art of knife forging in this beginner-friendly workshop at The Smithy's Knife studio. Crafted for outdoor lovers eager to create their own custom blade, this hands-on experience combines craftsmanship with scenic outdoor surroundings.
Waterside Metal Art Studio in Footscray, Victoria, is a dedicated metalworking school offering hands‑on workshops and multi‑week courses for beginners and developing smiths. The studio focuses on practical skills in knife‑making and traditional blacksmithing, using coke‑fired forges and high carbon steels that participants shape with hammer, anvil and heat. Instructors named in the studio’s program include Tobi Bockholt (knife workshops), Robbie Alderson (beginner knife forging) and Halcyon Window (San Mai knifemaking), who guide small groups through structured, safety‑focused sessions.
Course formats range from short two‑hour introductions and themed 2.5–3.5 hour craft workshops — such as Forge A Rose and Forge a Magic Mushroom — to immersive offerings like an eight‑hour Kitchen Utility Knife workshop and three‑day San Mai knife courses. Multi‑week modules provide progressive learning with take‑home projects after each session, while members‑only forging sessions offer studio access for ongoing practice. Participants consistently leave with completed items — from functional utility knives and chef’s blades to decorative fire pokers and forged keepsakes.
Safety, tool proficiency and material understanding are central to each experience. The studio’s scheduling accommodates single sessions, couple‑friendly workshops and structured modules that build core blacksmithing techniques such as splitting and forge welding. Waterside Metal Art Studio positions itself as a practical, skills‑based learning environment for anyone seeking tangible results from metalwork classes in Footscray.
Location
Footscray, Victoria
Studio based in Melbourne’s inner west
Course Lengths
2 hrs–4 weeks
Short workshops to multi‑week modules
Lead Tutors
Tobi • Robbie • Halcyon
Named instructors guide sessions
Workshops Offered
11 experiences
Knife‑making, forging and member sessions
Reserve a spot in a beginner class, multi‑week module or specialty knife course today and walk away with a finished blade or forged keepsake.
Bring safety gear
Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing suitable for working in a forge.
Arrive early
Ensure timely arrival for a full, unrushed experience and safety briefing.
Ask about custom projects
Inquire if you can create specialized or personalized knives for future visits.
Clean hands afterwards
Wash your hands thoroughly after forging to remove metal residues.
Closed-toe shoes
Protect your feet from sparks and heavy tools in the forge.
Comfortable clothing
Wear durable, long-sleeved attire to stay safe from heat and sparks.
Heat-resistant gloves
Protect your hands while working with hot metal.
Eye protection
Safeguard your eyes during forging and hammering.