San Mai Knifemaking Workshop by Waterside Metal Art
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2.5 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in decent physical shape to handle extended periods of standing and some heavy lifting.
Overview
Forge your own chef’s knife in a three-day San Mai workshop at Waterside Metal Art Studio in Footscray. Perfect for beginners eager to shape steel with guidance from expert artisan Halcyon Window.
San Mai Chef's Knife and Paring Knife
Ages 18+ • 2.5 days • no experience required
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About This Adventure
Experience the art of San Mai knifemaking in a hands-on, three-day workshop led by expert Halcyon Window. Learn to forge stunning, durable blades using the Japanese technique of layering steel. Embrace the challenge and satisfaction of creating your own chef’s knife, all while enjoying a unique and rewarding craft.
Focus on San Mai Blades
Duration 2.5 days
- Friday, 6:30pm-8:30pm
- Saturday, 8:00am-4:00pm
- Sunday, 8:00am-4:00pm
About
Join us for a weekend of San Mai knifemaking.
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 knifemaker 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.
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.
Age Requirements
Minimum age for students is 18
Adventure Tips
Wear Old Clothes
The forging process can get hot and dirty; dress in durable, non-flammable fabrics.
Arrive Well Rested
Concentration and physical stamina are vital over the multi-day workshop—be prepared to stay focused.
Ask Questions
Halcyon encourages curious minds; engaging fully will improve your technique and experience.
Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
Safety in the studio is paramount, so sturdy footwear is a must to protect your feet during forging.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Australian magpies
- Grey-headed flying foxes
History
Footscray has a rich industrial heritage which informs its growing reputation as a creative hub blending old trades with new art forms.
Conservation
Waterside Metal Art emphasizes sustainable forging practices, recycling scrap metal where possible to reduce environmental impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Melbourne
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-Toe Safety Shoes
Protect your feet from hot metal and tools in the forge environment.
Comfortable Work Clothes
Wear sturdy, breathable fabrics that can withstand heat and dirt.
Hydration Bottle
Keep hydrated during intense forging sessions, especially in warmer months.
summer specific
Safety Glasses
Eye protection is vital when working with sparks and flying particles.