Clarke Knives

I did the one day knife making experience and I cannot recommend it enough. With three generations of highly skilled instructors to guide you through the process you will turn the block of steel you start with into a top quality knife that you can say you made yourself. Best of all you don’t have to be a practical individual to do this, the course is designed to take all skill levels through it.

Had a fantastic day attending a Knife making course at the Vladvark Forge. Graham, David and Decklan are extremely knowledgeable and hands on teachers who made the whole experience thoroughly enjoyable. I would highly recommend everyone to give this a try!

Fantastic!We had a great time knife-making. Very natural, skilled teaching - giving very clear instructions for absolute beginners, and leaving us to get on with each stage while being on hand to help when needed. Going home with a knife you made yourself is a super cool experience.Would definitely do it again!

Just finished the axe making course and cannot express how happy I am. The guys are all lovely and made my first time forging a joy. Would highly recommend!

Had a great day with the one day knife making experience. It's great also to see three generations of the family all working with such a passion for forging knives. Very passionate and knowledge the team were on hand to guide and explain but careful to show rather than do the work for me. The knife made today is truly my own. The few small blemishes make it uniquely mine. Would recommend to anyone, very hands on and very welcoming.

Had a really fantastic day with Graham!He is very knowledgeable, and an exceptionally good teacher who gives simple, easy to understand instruction in bite sized chunks to all students, both young... and not quite so young!Thanks also to Dave (co-owner) and Declan for their help too.Clarkes Knives are in a proper engineering workshop, with plenty of tools, spaced out with plenty of room to work.On a Covid front, masks on at all times, plenty of hand sanitiser available and distancing maintained.My 15yr old son made a knife, starting at the forge with hammer and anvil, working through grinding on Grahams custom belt grinders and ending by wrapping in a paracord handle.Also available a 2 day knife course with a wooden handle and a leather sheath AND a 2 day axe course, complete with making & fitting your own ash handle.Very highly recommended.We are definitely going back!

Took my son for the day long knife forging day and had an absolute blast.

Unbelievably excellent day. I wasn't sure about doing it but had an absolute blast. Graham, Declan and David are a fantastic team, they will not let you leave with anything they're not happy with, incredibly knowledgeable, great value. Left with a knife I absolutely love.

Just had a great weekend making an axe. And did the knife making course a few years ago. If you enjoy making things I cannot recommend this enough