Welcome to the Wildertools forge! Located in Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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.
Our currently offered experiences …
Forging Lunenburg Memories
Have you ever thought of what it would be like to hit hammer to hot steel? Why not try something new with friends and share a few laughs?
Get a glimpse into the methods, tools and art of a modern blacksmith, before crafting your very own forged keepsake! (Normally, a coat hook, spoon, fork or other small item … not a knife)
Package Includes
Guided introduction to beginner blacksmithing with professional smith, Rick Marchand, whose clients include local chefs, international collectors and the Hollywood film industry
Rick, gives a live demonstration of the various techniques you’ll be using, as well as going over shop etiquette and safety protocol. He then hands the hammer over to you! Under his guidance, you will craft your own forged piece.
Flavours of Lunenburg gift basket, including a sampling bag of locally roasted coffee, from Laughing Whale Coffee Roasters, as well as various other local treats, and treasures.
Wildertools forge is fully accessible, so mobility challenges should not prevent you from experiencing the art of blacksmithing
Length 3 hours
Offered Year-round and daily (Monday – Sunday)
Time 9:00am & 1:00pm
Price (all listed prices include one gift basket) 1-2 active participants: $380 3 active participants: $480 4 active participants: $580 Spectators: no charge (Need a second gift basket? Please call)
Limited to 4 active participants and up to 4 spectators. There is an 8-person max capacity in the shop. Participants must be 8 years of age or older. Young spectators must be accompanied by an adult.
To book, 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.
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.
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.
Want to try your hand in 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. You WILL leave with a functional knife. Located within walking distance to the historic town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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.
Length 2 days (6-7 hours/day)
Offered Year-round
Price $650 for 1 person (1 active participant and 1 spectator, 1 knife) $900 for 2 people (2 active participants, 2 knives)
To book, fill out the contact form below or call Rick at 226-783-8771
———————————————- *** Please ask if your require assistance finding accommodations *** —————————————————
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.
Experiences will give you a taste of blacksmithing and bladesmithing. 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.