Do I need to bring my own knives or axes?

Yes, participants are encouraged to bring their own knives and axes for a more personalized sharpening experience.

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?

Absolutely—no prior sharpening experience is necessary, and all skill levels are welcome.

What is the minimum age to participate?

The workshop is open to participants aged 16 and older, though younger attendees can join if accompanied by an adult.

Are sharpening materials provided?

Yes, the workshop provides all necessary sharpening stones and tools during the session.

Is the workshop held indoors or outdoors?

The sharpening workshop takes place indoors at a dedicated atelier in Loosdrecht, providing a focused learning space.

Is transportation to the location included?

No, transportation is not included; participants should arrange their own travel to Nieuw-Loosdrechtsedijk 106 in Loosdrecht.

Master the Art of Knife and Axe Sharpening in Loosdrecht

Located in the scenic town of Loosdrecht, in the heart of Noord-Holland, Netherlands, the "Slijpen van Mes en Bijl" workshop offers a hands-on dive into the essential skill of sharpening knives and axes. This unique experience unfolds indoors at a dedicated atelier on Nieuw-Loosdrechtsedijk 106, providing a focused environment just a stone’s throw from lush waters and forested trails known to this region. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a woodworker, or simply someone who values well-maintained tools, this three-hour evening session from 7 PM to 10 PM invites you to reclaim control over your blade’s edge.

The heart of the workshop lies in imparting practical skills on sharpening, polishing, and stropping blades. Participants learn to work with different sharpening stones and gain expertise in various bevels and edges, techniques honed to keep your tools razor-sharp and safe. The trainers emphasize the old outdoor adage that a dull blade is more dangerous than a sharp one, making this more than just a skill-building class – it’s an investment in safer, more effective tool use.

You’re encouraged to bring your own knives and axes, turning the session into a personalized experience tailored to your specific gear and needs. This not only enhances learning but also ensures that by the end of the workshop, your own equipment comes out renewed and ready for action. Complementing the hands-on instruction, the session includes complimentary coffee and tea, creating a relaxed and community-driven atmosphere.

Loosdrecht is known for its serene lakes and green landscapes, popular with sailors, hikers, and those seeking a quiet retreat near Amsterdam. This sharpening class adds to the town’s diverse outdoor offerings, threading traditional craftsmanship into the local outdoor recreation scene. The workshop accommodates small groups—limiting attendees to about 10 for optimal attention.

Whether you’re preparing for your next camping trip, aiming to maintain your woodworking tools, or simply looking to acquire a valuable outdoor life skill, this workshop is the perfect gateway. With a focus on sustainability—maintaining your tools rather than replacing them—the experience resonates with the outdoor community’s ethos here.

Prepare for a moderate level of manual skill and attention, accessible to anyone aged 16 and older (younger participants can attend if accompanied by a parent). Loosdrecht’s proximity to Amsterdam makes it an easy day trip or add-on to a broader exploration of the Dutch countryside. For those eager to tune up their blades and deepen their connection to their gear, "Slijpen van Mes en Bijl" offers a rare blend of tradition, skill, and practicality in a welcoming local setting.

About Siegurd

Siegurd is a nature-focused workshop provider based in Loosdrecht, Noord-Holland, offering hands-on outdoor and indoor experiences that teach craft, bushcraft, and cooking skills. The program includes basket-making (Coiling), outdoor campfire cooking with Dutch ovens (Buiten Koken), bread baking on Dutch ovens and frying pans with a scenic walk to Leersums Veld (Brood Bakken), and a Sami bracelet workshop led by Marieke Nooij using reindeer leather and horn. Siegurd also runs family-focused events such as the Ouder en Kind Weekend and supervised children’s sessions like Mes- en Zaagveiligheid voor kids (ages 6–12), where parental attendance is required. Additional workshops cover birch bark techniques (Berkenbast series), pizza-making in a portable oven, mushroom identification walks (Wilde Paddenstoelen), basic winter fire-making (Vuur de Basis), and a range of bushcraft skills including axe use, spoon carving, sharpening, field butchery, and first aid (EHBO).

Activities take place in woodland settings around Leersums Veld and in a cozy indoor atelier for select crafts. Participants create tangible keepsakes, learn practical outdoor skills, and follow clear age guidelines and safety notes provided at booking. Sessions list age restrictions where relevant and specify materials used, such as natural fibres, reindeer leather, and spruce roots. Siegurd is featured on The Adventure Collective and presents a diverse calendar of workshops in Noord-Holland designed for learners, families, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking skill-based, hands-on experiences.

Booking information, exact age requirements, and specific meeting points are provided on the listing pages so participants can prepare and choose the best workshop for their needs in advance.