Hammer and Hound Forge

Contact name: Alex

313
Total bookings

Rating

(97)

over 1 year
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

Hammer and Hound Forge is a traditional blacksmith's workshop in Blyth, Northumberland, Uk owned by award winning blacksmith Alex Sowden, who you might have seen before on Sky Arts' "The Prince's Master Crafters", or BBC1's "Make It At Market". We offer a variety of experiences in metalwork for all skill levels, including tuition in welding and fabrication, forging damascus steel, jewellery techniques and much more! We produce kits of hand forged woodworking supplies, as well as tools for other crafts, though our stock is often forged on commission. We also take on larger work, such as forging gates and railings, overthrows, staircases and all variety of ironwork. If you have any questions for us, please get in touch!

Courses, kits & gifts

platinum award

BLYTH

Axe / Hammer Forging Day

1 day

Next date: 20th Sep 2025

4 places left

(22)

£175.00

platinum award

BLYTH

Beginners Knife Forging Day

1 day

Next date: 14th Sep 2025

1 place left

(23)

£155.00

platinum award

BLYTH

Blacksmithing Beginners Day

1 day

Next date: 13th Sep 2025

3 places left

(41)

£149.00

platinum award

BLYTH

Blacksmithing: tongs and punches

1 day

Next date: 19th Oct 2025

4 places left

£175.00

platinum award

BLYTH

Damascus Steel Knife forging

2 days

Next date: 25th Oct 2025

2 places left

(11)

£349.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

28 May 25'

Alan Dowling reviewed: Damascus Steel Knife forging

"The Damascus Steel Knife Forging course I attended this weekend was excellent. Alex is a really accomplished blacksmith and teacher, explaining every step of the process, giving background and historical information. I was extremely pleased with the resulting knife and feel I better understand what is involved in making the knife and will probably attend another course with Alex."

27 May 25'

Craig Martini reviewed: Damascus Steel Knife forging

"My wife and daughter gave me this course for Christmas. I had an absolutely fantastic weekend, Alex has a huge amount of knowledge and skill to pass on to the class, and made this a fun weekend. Would highly recommend..."

25 May 25'

Steve Winson reviewed: Damascus Steel Knife forging

"Fantastic weekend, very happy with the whole experience. Alex knows his trade and is careful to explain every step of the process. Safety first is his first priority. There was 4 of us on the course, myself, Alan, Craig and Martin. We all made slightly different blades and with Alex's help they turned out beautiful. I will definitely be doing another course, probably the Axe making later this year."

19 May 25'

Bob Pass reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"A really enjoyable course, that I highly recommend. Alex is an excellent teacher, highly skilled, friendly and generous. He shows exactly what is needed and explains techniques well. He has a skill in not intervening and helping when not needed but is also very good in assisting when necessary. Participants therefore have possession and pride in their own creations. A useful number of items were made during the day (3 each) and had been selected as examples of the wide range of skills and techniques used. The work was totally absorbing and focussed all one's attention. An excellent antidote to the cares and worries of everyday living both mentally stimulating and therapeutic. You leave with a great sense of achievement and genuine satisfaction. Facilities were good with ample tea/coffee available, toilets and a space to have lunch. Course numbers are small with usually 4/5 members. Safety briefings and care during the day was excellent, with attention to detail that was sensible but not oppressive. I hope to go back, as it was thoroughly enjoyable with good company."