Lay your soul on the anvil
Always dreamed of working fire and metal? Come for a one-to-one workshop where you become the maker of your own knives, guided step by step, at the foot of the Château de Puilaurens.
Over the course of a full day at the workshop, you make two unique knives while learning the traditional and modern techniques of knife-making. We work the steel, the wood of the handle and the leather of the made-to-measure sheath.
The workshop includes a forge initiation: you experience the transformation of raw steel, from anvil to sharpened blade. No prior experience needed, just the desire to make things by hand.
- One-to-one workshop, a full day
- Materials and tuition included
- You leave with both your knives
- Forge initiation included
How the day unfolds
Design
Creating your models on paper: blade shapes, style, materials.
Shaping the blade
Cutting, grinding and precise shaping of the blade to your design.
The heart of the steel
Heat treatment (quench and temper) that gives the steel its hardness and edge-holding.
The handle
Building and fitting the handle in your chosen material.
The sheath
Making the made-to-measure leather sheath that will accompany your knife.
Assembly & finishing
Final assembly, riveting, polishing and sharpening: your knives come to life.
- The blade steel and the handle materials
- The leather for the made-to-measure sheaths
- The full workshop tooling
- The forge initiation
- Personal, step-by-step guidance
- Your two knives, to take home at the end of the day
- Location
- L'Âme de Six workshop, Puilaurens (11)
- Format
- One-to-one workshop
- Duration
- A full day
- You make
- Two knives, taken home that evening
- Price
- €300 all inclusive
Dates and availability: get in touch and we'll set up your day together. A workshop also makes a wonderful gift.
The Knife-Making Course, in a Few Questions
Answers to the most common questions about the knife-making course in Puilaurens: price, duration, skill level required and how the day unfolds.
How much does a knife-making course at L'Âme de Six cost?
A course costs €300 all-inclusive: it covers the blade steel, the handle materials, the leather sheaths, the tools, and my step-by-step guidance throughout the day. You can also give this course as a gift to someone else.
How long does the course last?
The course lasts one full day, one-on-one, at my workshop in Puilaurens. You leave that same evening with your two finished knives. The day includes an introduction to forging and step-by-step guidance, from choosing the steel to the final assembly of each piece, leather sheath included.
Do I need to already know how to forge to take part?
No prior experience is required to take part in this course — that's exactly the point. I guide you step by step, from your first introduction to forging through to the final assembly of your two knives.
What do I leave with at the end of the day?
You leave with two knives that you forged and assembled yourself, each with its own made-to-measure leather sheath. The blade steel and the handle materials are included in the course price, along with all the tools used throughout the day.
Is the course a group session or one-on-one?
The course runs one-on-one only: I never take groups. I stay with you throughout the whole day, from choosing the steel to the final assembly. Many people ask me how many other trainees will be there and are surprised to learn they'll be alone with me.
Where does the course take place?
The course takes place at my workshop, L'Âme de Six, in Puilaurens (11140), route de la Boulzane, at the foot of the castle. This is where I craft my knives by hand.
Is forging really part of the program?
Yes, the introduction to forging is a full part of the course: you live the transformation of raw steel, from the anvil to the sharpened blade. No prior experience is required to take part.
What time of year can I come?
Courses run across two seasons: from March 1 to May 31, then from October 1 to December 23 — none between June and September. Dates stay individual: I adapt to your availability, including a Sunday or a public holiday. Get in touch to find yours.
Can I give a course as a gift?
Yes, you can give this course as a gift: I send back a personalised gift voucher, made out in the recipient's name, along with the course description. The recipient then chooses their own date within the two course seasons, by contacting me directly.
Is lunch included?
Lunch isn't included in the course price: everyone brings their own. We eat together at the workshop, over a short break, before getting back to work. The day stays focused on forging and assembling your knives.
What should I wear for the course?
Wear clothes you don't mind ruining: you'll be working in dust and near open fire all day. Plan on an outfit you're happy to get dirty, suited to a forge workshop. I provide all the tools.
Is the workshop accessible to people with reduced mobility?
The workshop isn't accessible to people with reduced mobility: a large staircase leads up to it. There is, however, a large car park right in front, making it easy to park before walking up. Feel free to mention it when you book, so we can plan your visit.
Where can I stay if I'm travelling from afar?
If you're travelling from afar, there are guesthouses in the village of Puilaurens. That lets you arrive the evening before and start the day well-rested, without a long drive at dawn. Feel free to mention it when you book, so we can plan your visit.
Ready to forge your knife?
Write to me for the next available dates and to book your day at the workshop.