The Tharwa Valley Forge was established in 2003 by bladesmith Karim Haddad to create high quality knives and tools, and to teach the skills necessary to do this. Karim was trained by Australia’s first Master Bladesmith, Thomas Gerner, in the early 1990’s in Western Australia. The Forge is located in village of Tharwa,  just south of Canberra, Australia.

Bladesmithing and Knifeblading

Extensive weekend workshop will give you the opportunity not only to learn these skills, but to put them into practice making two hand-forged knives of your own. We will show you techniques, tools and hints on how to get started making your own knives.

Japanese Knifemaking Courses

Japanese kitchen knives have distinct elegance in both form and function. In this intensive weekend course you will build two traditional style Japanese kitchen knives. Options include hammer finished or polished blades, chisel grind or V grind and a variety of handle choices. These blades will provide you with years of excellent service  in your kitchen

Courses and Classes

Knife Sharpening

Japanese Knifemaking

Bowmaking Blacksmithing

Folding Knives

Japanese Razors

Junior Blacksmithing