What’s it about?
We’ve designed this Nordic Crafts weekend with Kaos Blacksmiths to give a sound introduction to anyone interested in working with metal and green wood, all based in a stunning outdoor setting at our ancient woodland camp in Kent.
We don’t believe that you can learn both of these fantastic skills in a single course anywhere else.
What will I do on a Nordic Crafts weekend?
We’ve combined two traditional craft skills for this unique weekend – metal working and greenwood working. You will be shown, and given the opportunity, to make a Viking style knife and carve a Swedish spoon from greenwood.
Day 1 will be spent learning the ancient art of the blacksmith:
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We will show you how to use an iron age pit forge, where you will make your very own Viking knife.
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You’ll be shown, and given time, to make a leather sheath for your knife.
Day 2 will involve carving with axes and knives:
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We’ll teach you a variety of Swedish axe and knife carving techniques.
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You will also learn to identify which strokes are best suited to different kinds of cuts.
- You’ll then make your own Swedish style spoon from greenwood.
There might even be some Scandinavian dishes on the menu. A lot packed into this Nordic Crafts weekend, but if there is any spare time we’ll throw in some bushcraft as well!
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You can see our complete course schedule here.
Other information
Location: Westwell, Kent
Duration: 2 days
Start: 6pm Friday
End: 4pm Sunday
Course size: Maximum of 8
Catering: We’ll provide tea & coffee, breakfast and dinner but you’ll need to bring a packed lunch
Note: There is a short walk from the meeting point to the camp. We’ll transport your bags in our 4×4.
You might also find these Frequently Asked Questions useful.
What our customers say
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I love this course (my 6th time?) and come away with a knife, a sheath, a spoon and awesome memories. My friend "Gandalf" (Ross Berry, the blacksmith from Kaos Blacksmiths), was on form, knowledgeable, patient and entertaining. Gary, now a very good friend of long standing, ran the camp, organised everything we needed and took "the spoon club". Always attentive to our needs, Gary and Nicola are perfect hosts.
I booked places for us as Claire's birthday treat, partly because we both love being outdoors and crafting and getting our hands dirty but also because Claire has long fancied trying out blacksmithing skills and I thought this would be a good taster. We hiked up from the car with most of our stuff following in a trailer and got settled in with delicious soup and bread on the first night where we also got to know our camp-mates around the fire. Day 1 was making our Viking knife which was really interesting. Ross was a good, not too serious teacher and we all managed to craft something beautiful from the flames, finishing it off with a sunkissed leathwork session making knife sheaths that afternoon. Dinner was a filling bowl of Swedish style meatballs and mash. Day 2 was spoon carving which was hard on the arms and hands but we spent the whole day learning about green wood, how to work with the grain, using various tools and techniques and concentrating on trying to make spoons rather than bowls on a stick. Gary and Nicola were very kind, patient and friendly and we had a nice time learning about out camp mates and their lives and skills. Claire had a great time and we both left on Sunday, knackered but satisfied and we really want to visit again. Thank you.
I have just got home after a brilliant 2 day nordic course.
food was fantastic.
Gary really personable and make meet everyone so relaxed as well as Nichola who make real fantastic food.
the course was well structured and done in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
the knife making was real enjoyable and you find time seems to go so quickly as you are emersed in the world of blacksmithing at the as time being allowed to go at a pace suitable to your needs and if you make a mistake no biggie it is always rectified.
highly recommended.
I have attended this course perhaps 5 times and each has been memorable. Ross, the blacksmith, definitely is unforgettable as is Gary, our trusty leader.
Nicola and Gary, as always, provided excellent food.
Gary and Nicola, gave a great welcome into their well planned and laid out camp with a warm fire and great energy. It’s a great experience for all ages capability levels. All the guests on the course made the course a really nice time. The food was spot on. And the coffee and tea provided was more than adequate.
I would personally recommend to all you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks very much.
