Welcome to the Wildertools forge! 
If you’re curious about knife and tool making or just want to immerse yourself into the daily life of an artisan bladesmith, these experiences are for you.

WARNING: Dad joke advisory in full effect for the duration of all experiences. 
 

Forging Lunenburg Memories with flavour

Have you ever thought of what it would be like to hit hammer to hot steel?
Would you like to know how Rick creates his knives?
Why not try something new with friends and share a few laughs?

Get a glimpse into the methods, tools and art of a modern bladesmith, before swinging the hammer and crafting your very own forged keepsake! 

Package Includes

Guided introduction into the art of bladesmithing with professional smith, Rick Marchand, whose clients include local chefs, international knife collectors and the Hollywood film industry

Hands-on forging demonstration to see how Rick crafts his award-winning blades

Create your own custom piece: swing a hammer at hot steel and use the skills of the trade to craft your own forged piece

Flavours of Lunenburg gift basket, including a selection of locally roasted coffee, a French press, and two mugs from Laughing Whale Coffee Roasters

Wildertools forge is fully accessible, so mobility challenges should not prevent you from experiencing the art of bladesmithing

Length: 3 hours

Offered:
Year-round and daily during the first two weeks of the month (Monday – Sunday)

Time:
9:00am & 1:00pm

Price: 
$380 for two people
(includes one gift basket)
$660 for four people (includes two gift baskets)

Book online, fill out the contact form below or call Rick at 226-783-8771

Laughing Whale Coffee Roasters Gift Basket Included

Experience superior flavours with Lunenburg’s finest coffee, roasted on-site in Old Town!
Enjoy a selection of locally roasted coffee, a French press, and two branded mugs.

Value: $80


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Lunenburg Knifemaking stay

Want to dive into the art of knifemaking?
Maybe you’re new to the craft or would like to expand your skills?

On this 2-day experience, get insight into the methods and art of a modern bladesmith, before swinging the hammer and crafting your very own knife! You can participate as much or as little as you want in the forging experience. Dive deep into the craft or choose to sit back and watch Rick create the knife in front of you.

Located within walking distance to the historic town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this unique getaway includes a night stay onsite at The Edge of Lunenburg, a newly built loft apartment above the forge featuring a full kitchen and a view of the Lunenburg Back Harbour.

Package includes:

Guided introduction into the art of bladesmithing with professional smith, Rick Marchand, whose clients include local chefs, international knife collectors and the Hollywood film industry.

Hands-on forging demonstration to see how Rick crafts his award-winning blades

Create your own custom knife: swing a hammer at hot steel and use the skills of the trade to craft your own kitchen or utility knife

Wildertools forge is fully accessible, so mobility challenges should not prevent you from experiencing the art of bladesmithing

1-night stay at the “Edge of Lunenburg” loft apartment.
Want to book a longer stay? Just ask.

Length: 2 days (6 hours/day)

Schedule:

DAY 1

9 am – 12 pm
Tour the forge, learn about knifemaking, live demonstration and knife design

12 pm – 6 pm (Free time to explore Lunenburg)
Enjoy the “Spirits with a Story: a Guided Tasting” tour (add $25) at Ironworks Distillery located in the Blacksmith’s Shop in the old town of Lunenburg; visit the many shops and galleries; choose from one of the many restaurants for a delicious lunch and/or dinner.

6 pm – 9 pm
Forging techniques in the dark

DAY 2

9 am – 12 pm
Knife build and handle making

1 pm – 4 pm
Finishing

Note: Schedule adjustments can be made upon customer request.

Offered:
Year-round

Price: 
$785 for 1 person (1 active participant and 1 spectator, 1 knife)
$1035 for 2 people (2 active participants, 2 knives)

To book fill out your contact information in the form below or call Rick at 226-783-8771.

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Forging Lunenburg Memories

Join Rick for this 3-hour experience that gives you a glimpse into the methods, tools and art of a Modern Bladesmith. Start with a shop safety primer, watch a live bladesmithing demonstration and finish with some basic hands-on forging…
 
Yes, you will swing a hammer at hot steel and maybe even take home your own creation!
Spoiler: it won’t be knife.
 
1-2 active participants: $300
3 active participants: $400
4 active participants: $500
Spectators: no charge
 
Limited to 4 active participants and up to 4 spectators. There is an 8-person max capacity in my shop. Participants must be 8 years of age or older. Young spectators must be accompanied by an adult. Latest Covid-19 protocols in effect.
 
Book online, fill out your contact information in the form below or call Rick at 226-783-8771.
 
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Ultimate Knifemaking experience

Make a kitchen or utility knife with Rick!

Yes, you heard that right. This two-day experience lets you get your hands dirty under the supervision and assistance* of a bladesmith.

*Assistance: Rick will make sure you leave with a functional knife.

What’s included:

Shop tour and safety primer
History of forging and tool making
Knife design 
Knife forging demonstration
Basic forging techniques
Basic metallurgy and heat treating techniques
Sanding and finishing
Handle attachment
Sharpening

This is an organic and flexible experience. Ask any question. Rick has ample knowledge and will divulge any or all intricate secrets of this mystical craft. There are no stupid questions however there may be stupid answers. Rick will keep the atmosphere relaxed. You can participate as little or as much as you want. If wanted, you can even sit back and watch Rick make the entire knife in front of you.

Total: 2 days (6 hours/day)

1 active participant: $650
2 active participants: $900
Each participant can have a single spectator on site with no extra charges. 

Book online, fill out your contact information in the form below or call Rick at 226-783-8771.
Book Now

Stay at the edge of Lunenburg

Welcome to “The Edge of Lunenburg”, a modern loft apartment located above Rick’s workshop with a spectacular view of the back harbour and Lunenburg Academy. Includes kitchen, dining area, living room, bathroom, Queen bed, private entrance and parking space. Conveniently located near the historic UNESCO designated town of Lunenburg; a walk to shops, restaurants, pubs and the famous working waterfront.

Only $135/night when paired with an experience.
Special rates for those participating in classes.
Sorry no smoking and no pets.

Add-ON Sheath Making

Every knife deserve a home!

Did you know Rick started out in leathercraft?

Add a day to your experience and create a beautiful hand-made leather sheath for your new blade.
Check out sheath making class for details

Contact Rick today to book your experience!

Experiences will give you a taste of knife making. They are a great introduction to the craft. Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch.

If you are serious about learning the trade please have a look at the classes – they are focused on more intensive training for hobbyists and working knife makers alike.