“I got into blacksmithing when my grandmother passed away. We went through her old house and in the garage, there was a bunch of my grandad’s old tools. I never knew my grandad – he passed away when I was four. But those blacksmithing tools sparked an interest for me.”
Yggdrasil Forge is an Iron-Age and Viking inspired blacksmith centred around quality, sustainability and accessibility. Founded in 2019 by Joe Bardsley, the forge is now based in a tranquil woodland setting here at Northern Roots in Oldham.
With a passion for this endangered craft, Joe provides blacksmithing experiences that are accessible to people with a wide range of access needs.
Sustainability is integral to the forge – a lot of the metal Joe and the team use is upcycled from locally sourced scrap motor parts. It’s about making something of good quality that will last a lifetime, helping to reduce waste.
- Using authentic techniques and equipment, you can enjoy the magic and excitement of a blacksmithing experience with Joe and the team.
- Learn how people in the Viking and Iron-Age forged and discover all of the work that went into making tools we now often take for granted.
- You’ll have the opportunity to find out about blacksmithing history, and how historical crafts, sustainability, and community are all connected.
- All while learning the art of smashing hot metal with a hammer until it conforms to your vision!
Making your own project and watching it come together under the hammer is so fulfilling. Yggdrasil Forge offer a number of fantastic Blacksmithing Courses, Experiences and Demonstrations – from quick two-hour sessions (such as arrowheads, hooks, and bottle openers), to in-depth and detailed full day sessions (such as knife, axe, or sword making).
Unsure what you want to make? Yggdrasil Forge offer a four-hour Blacksmithing Beginner sessions to learn all the fundamentals for more complex projects.
Experiences and sessions are limited to a group size of 1-3 people per booking.
Share the joy of your accomplishment with others as you get to take home whatever you make.
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“Exceptional experience! Joe has fantastic knowledge of his craft. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and immediately felt at home. Joe has the patience of a saint and is exemplary at teaching, demonstrating and correcting your mistakes. This was an amazing experience and
I can’t recommend it enough!” James
“I had fun at the forge and I learnt how to keep myself safe. I really liked my leaf, it was pretty. Joe’s instructions were very clear, I’d definitely do a forging session again!” Bonnie
“A very unique experience that was very fun, I enjoyed how Joe explained everything in simple terms and didn’t rush at all.” Arthur
“A great place. Good to see people working outdoors and reviving old crafts.” – Ian
Can’t think of what to get your friends or family for that special occasion? Why not try a Forge Experience voucher? For a gift they’ll remember forever and go home with a beautiful hand forged item of their own.