What to expect: Kiridashi Making Class
So, you’ve always wanted to make a knife? You've come to the right place—Copenhagen's only traditional forge.
Our Kiridashi making class is a crash course in the fundamentals of bladesmithing. A Kiridashi is a type of Japanese utility knife that's perfect for opening packages, carving and marking wood—they even make excellent paring knives. More importantly, they provide the perfect foundation of knowledge for any aspiring bladesmith. Simple in design but rich in technique, this little knife will teach you everything you need to know to start turning steel into knives.
Safety First
We always start with safety procedures and proper attire—not to scare you, but to keep you smithing safely for years to come. Working with red-hot steel is inherently risky, but with the right precautions, it becomes much more manageable. There's always some level of risk involved, but that's part of what makes it exciting!
When you're working with hot steel, mill scale (basically high-temperature rust) pops off the surface and can fly in almost any direction. That's why wearing natural fibers is absolutely critical. Synthetic materials are your enemy here—they melt and catch fire when they meet high temperatures, causing some truly nasty burns. Natural fibers might singe a bit, but they won't catch fire easily, and they definitely won't melt into your skin. This goes for everything: shirts, pants, and especially shoes.
Steel-toed or reinforced leather boots are your best friends in the forge. They're comfortable, protect your toes, and will save you from the dreaded "hot foot"—when a piece of hot steel burns right through your shoe and into your foot. Trust me, you don't want to join the ranks of smiths who've had to jump into a water bucket mid-project!
What You'll Learn
During the class, we'll cover all the essential bladesmithing skills:
Fire anatomy and management - Understanding how to build and maintain the perfect forging fire
Fuel types and their properties - pea coal, lump coal, charcoal, and when to use each
Anvil mastery - Learning the different purposes of each part of your anvil
Steel selection basics - Choosing the right material for the job
Hammer control fundamentals - Drawing out, upsetting, creating tapers, and setting edge geometry
Hammer selection- Finding the right tools for you and the job.
Differential heat treatment - The secret to a blade that holds an edge
Touch stamp marking - Signing your work like a true craftsman
Whetstone knife sharpening - Because a dull knife is a dangerous knife
Your First Blade
By the end of the class, you'll walk away with two incredible things: the foundational knowledge of a bladesmith, and the first knife you've ever smithed with your own hands. That little kiridashi might look simple, but it represents hours of learning, centuries of tradition, and the beginning of your journey into one of humanity's oldest crafts.
Ready to forge your first blade at Copenhagen's only traditional forge?