• Feb 20, 21 & 22  - spots available

join us for a weekend of San Mai knifemaking in a non-competitive and supportive environment.

We can promise that it will be hot and noisy at times and there won’t be a clean fingernail in sight, but it will also be enormously rewarding once you realize that your usually clean hands are capable of doing hard things.

Your teacher Halcyon Window (she/her) will guide you through the entire process competently and safely, and all equipment will be provided. Halcyon is an accomplished knifemaker and she will be teaching the Japanese San Mai technique of layering different steels to produce a beautiful blade that holds a sharp edge and is durable and resilient.

We especially love the distinct aesthetics of the San Mai blades with their organic and ghost-like transitions between the different metals. They make a gorgeous addition to any kitchen regardless of one's cooking prowess, and at Waterside, we all agree we want one!

The workshop runs over 3 days during which participants will learn to forge a small paring knife first as a warm-up before getting stuck into the large chef’s knife.

The workshop is suitable for absolute beginners, but some physical output is required. Participants will use a power hammer and high-speed belt grinders. If you are unsure this workshop is for you, please get in touch, and hopefully, we will be able to put your mind at ease.

What your days will look like:

• Day 1, Fri 6:30pm-8:30pm: safety induction and forging of paring knife, to ensure you will be primed for the real action tomorrow.‍
• Day 2, Sat 9:00am-4:00pm: forge welding a billet from 416 stainless and high carbon steel, cutting and shaping of the blade, heat treatment and etching.‍
• Day 3, Sun 9:00am-4:00pm: fix and shape a handle, knife assembly and final sharpening of the blade.

For more info on Halcyon Window click here

Minimum age for students is 18

Price $1200