Discover the art of blacksmithing in this hands-on workshop at Waterside Metal Art Studio. Perfect for beginners, it’s an immersive experience that combines outdoor-inspired creativity with craftsmanship.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness level required, but basic comfort with hands-on work is helpful.
Wildlife
History
The forge techniques taught today have roots going back hundreds of years, reflecting a long-standing regional tradition of metalworking in tandem with water-based industries.
Conservation
The studio practices sustainable welding and forging techniques, ensuring minimal environmental impact in this water-rich area.
Waterside Metal Art Studio
Discover the art of blacksmithing in this hands-on workshop at Waterside Metal Art Studio. Perfect for beginners, it’s an immersive experience that combines outdoor-inspired creativity with craftsmanship.
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.
Arrive early
Getting there 15 minutes before start time ensures you’re ready and can settle in without rushing.
Wear old clothes
Blacksmithing can be messy; dress in durable, comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Book in advance
Workshops fill quickly, so secure your spot early through the booking link.
Bring water
Stay hydrated during the class, especially if the weather is warm.
Old clothes or apron
Protects your clothing from sparks and dirt during forging.
Non-slip shoes
Provides stability when working at the forge and around tools.
Work gloves
Optional but useful for handling hot materials and tools.
Water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the workshop.