No. Our courses are suitable for beginners. Each student is guided step by step, from raw steel through to the finished piece. Of you have previously attended any courses, your level with obviously be more advanced, and your course will be adapted to suit your level of experience.

This depends on the course you choose.
Rutherford Forge offers Basic Bladesmith, Bladesmith and Damascus courses, as well as axe, tactical knife-making and blacksmithing options.
The finished item depends on the course, the available time and your progress during the day.

The course price includes Hylton’s instruction, guidance and access to the workshop and equipment needed for the course. Exact course-specific inclusions will be confirmed during the booking process.

The Basic Bladesmith course takes one day.
The Bladesmith and Damascus courses take two days.
Other course durations depend on the activity you choose.
Exact arrival and finishing times will be confirmed with your booking.

Knife-making involves standing, hammering, grinding and working with workshop equipment.
Please tell us in advance about any physical limitations so the day can be planned appropriately.

The workshop safety requirements are explained before practical work begins and each student will be personally guided through the safe use of the equipment, hot steel and workshop machinery.

As early as possible is best, especially for weekends, school holidays, private groups and gift bookings. Course dates are subject to availability.

Use the enquiry form on our Contact Us page and select the relevant course. Please include your preferred dates and the number of people attending.

Yes. Rutherford Forge gift vouchers are available. Gift Voucher Terms and booking arrangements apply.

Possibly, but only if Hylton has suitable knives available at the time.
The recipient may choose from knives that are reasonably comparable to the type of knife they would have made on the course.
Knife availability is not guaranteed, so please contact Rutherford Forge before making any change to a course voucher.
Any difference in value or arrangements will be discussed at that stage.

Payment arrangements will be confirmed with your booking. You can do an immediate EFT into our bank account or cash on arrival (when doing a course). Please wait for e-mail confirmation before making payment.

Please contact us as soon as possible. Cancellation and rescheduling arrangements are covered by the Rutherford Forge Course Booking Terms, but usually does not present any issues. We are very flexible.

Wear comfortable, old clothing suitable for a workshop environment.
Choose sturdy closed shoes and long pants that can handle heat, dust and workshop activity.
Avoid loose sleeves, loose jewellery and anything that could become caught in equipment.
Long hair should be tied back, and please remember that hot metal flakes can damage clothing and skin.

No. Rutherford Forge provides a light lunch at 1pm, as well as coffee, tea and water. Students are also welcome to bring their own lunch, snacks and juices.
Please let us know in advance about any food allergies or dietary requirements, including if you are vegan.

Yes, you can bring your beer (or other alcoholic beverage – however, it is not advisable (and you are requested to not do so!) to drink it during the course as it affects judgement and you will be working with equipment, gas and fire. Also, remember you might want to drive home without being arrested for being under the influence! So, in moderation, upon completion of your course – no problem.

Yes, there is a safe smoking area.

Yes. You are welcome to bring ideas, drawings or inspiration, however the team will discuss with your what is practical, suitable and doable within the course and its relevant parameters you have booked as each course makes a specific knife design.

This may be possible, depending on the material, its condition and whether it is suitable and safe to use. Please discuss it with the Forge team before the course.

Your progress will be assessed as the course progresses and you will receive the necessary assistance to complete your course. Should there be a power and generator failure, or a medical emergency (or anything else preventing you from completing your course) , The Rutherford Forge team will liaise with you so that you will be able to complete at a later date, suited to both parties.

Absolutely!! The intention is that you take home the item you made, to proudly show off to your nearest and dearest, and to become an integral useful part of your daily activities.

Our youngest student was 8 and our oldest 80!
Students are generally accepted from around 13 years old, but younger students may be considered individually. Suitability depends on the child’s maturity, ability to follow safety instructions and physical ability to participate safely.
Each child is considered individually.
Some children (even teenagers) with developmental challenges are not suitable ito following instructions to work with hazardous equipment. A parent or guardian must be involved in the booking discussion, so please contact us before making a booking. If you are younger than 18, it is preferred that your parent accompany you unless specific alternative arrangements have been made with the team.
Please remember that this is not a school holiday activity like going to a movie – you need to be able to follow instructions and comprehend what is being explained to you.

Yes, wheelchair users can be (and have been) accommodated. Please tell us about your requirements before booking so the workspace, access and workflow can be planned properly.

This may be possible by arrangement. They will obviously not partake in the course and they will need to provide their own refreshments. Workshop space and safety requirements mean that visitors should be confirmed before the course.

Yes. Rutherford Forge can host private groups and small events, subject to availability and the type of activity required. Please discuss with our team as numbers depend on equipment availability.

The standard maximum group size is six students. Smaller groups of two to four people are usually ideal for a more personal experience.

Yes. A forging experience can be a memorable option for a bachelor’s event, birthday or special occasion. Contact us so we can discuss the group size, activity and available dates.

Yes. Private bookings may be arranged. Contact us with your preferred dates and the type of course or experience you are considering.

Absolutely! This is the best team building experience!We can discuss suitable group experiences depending on the number of people, the time available and the type of activity required.

Yes. Students are welcome and encouraged to take photographs and videos during their visit, provided this is done safely and does not interfere with Hylton, other students or workshop operations.
By taking or publishing photographs or videos made on the Rutherford Forge premises, you grant Rutherford Forge a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide and ongoing licence to use, reproduce, edit, repost and publish that content on its website, social media platforms and other marketing channels, without further permission or payment.
You confirm that you have the right to grant this permission and have obtained consent from any identifiable people shown, including a parent or guardian where a minor appears. If you do not want to appear in Rutherford Forge’s use of such content, please tell us before the content is taken or published.

Yes. Visitors park on the Rutherford Forge property, behind a locked gate. Parking is available on-site when attending a course or visit.

Rutherford Forge is in Johannesburg North, Randburg, Johannesburg. Detailed directions and arrival information will be provided as part of the booking arrangements.

Yes. Visitors attending a multi-day course may wish to look at guesthouses in Johannesburg North, Randburg and Northcliff. Possible nearby options include Citrus Lane Gastehuis, Jubilee Lodge Guest House, Kiwara Guesthouse, Orangerie Guest House, Over the Moon Guesthouse, Made Stays Guest House, The Grey Hornbill and Birch Tree Cottage. Please contact each establishment directly to confirm current availability, rates, amenities and directions. Rutherford Forge is not affiliated with or responsible for these establishments. You will need to arrange your own transport to and from the Forge daily.

Rutherford Forge is developing a Certificate of Completion for course students. Please ask about current availability when booking.

Yes. Many students make a knife as a personal gift. Discuss the intended use and design with Hylton during the booking process.

Ask us a question by clicking here.