Blacksmithing Workshop

Forge Your Own Knife in Provence

Whether you stay for a day or a few days near Oraison, you'll get to experience a traditional blacksmith's workshop and leave with the blade you forged yourself.

First internships in early 2027 — waiting list open

1 to 2 internsAs soon as 16 years oldNo experienceAs soon as 350 €

The Spirit

Action Before Tools

Traditional blacksmithing rests on two pillars: skill and knowledge. The equipment comes only after that.

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, these skills gradually gave way to mass production. Yet they have survived, thanks to the elders who passed them down and to countries like Japan, which have been more successful than others in preserving them.

This is the approach I share with students during my workshops. The hammer is in your hand; my role is to guide your movements, from controlling the fire to shaping the edge.

The Formulas

Three options, at the workshop

Two approaches to choose from, regardless of the plan:

Approach 1

Black Wolf

Everyday workshop life: traditional methods whenever possible, with limited use of a few machines.

Approach 2

Origin

No power tools—just hand tools. More physically demanding, taking longer—a knife with a rougher character.

01 · A Day

One-Day Workshop

A steel knife, straight from the forge, with a braided handle.

MorningWelcome with tea, an introduction to the facility and basic techniques, blade design, and forging.
AfternoonGeometry, hardening and heat treatment, sharpening, and handle braiding.

350 €Lunch included

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02 · Two days

Two-day workshop

A fixed-blade knife with a wooden handle and a polished blade.

Day 1 · MorningIntroduction, basic techniques, blade design, forging.
Day 1 · AfternoonGeometry, handle preparation.
Day 2 · MorningQuenching, annealing, polishing.
Day 2 · AfternoonShaping the wooden handle, finishing, and assembly.

590 €Potluck meal—everyone brings their own lunchbox

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03 · 3 to 5 days

Customized Internship

A more ambitious project: kotanto, tanto.

Possible, depending on the projectLaminated steel, an introduction to painting, making a sheath…
ProcedureWe'll work together to define the content, duration, and steps in advance, based on what you want to achieve.

Based on a quoteAccording to the proposal

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Tools and steel providedYou'll leave with your bladeCotton or wool clothing, closed-toe shoes

Who is it for?

No experience necessary

The basics of blacksmithing are accessible to everyone; it takes a lifetime to master them. I’ll adapt to your pace, without rushing.

One or two participants from the same group, never more. Each person forges their own blade, with guidance at every step. Participants must be at least 16 years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Gift

Give the gift of a blacksmithing workshop

If you're not sure which option to choose, send me a message: just ask me a few questions about the person you're buying it for, and I'll help you decide. Gift cards are also available.

Request a gift card

The Location

The Loup Noir Workshop, in Haute Provence

15 minutes from Oraison and 30 minutes from Forcalquier. Off the grid, in a peaceful setting, surrounded by nature: here, we forge to the rhythm of the fire.

Accommodations in Oraison, Forcalquier, and the neighboring villages—I'll provide you with the addresses when you make your reservation.

The Craftsman

Elie Eveno

As an artisan blacksmith at the Loup Noir workshop, I specialize in blades inspired by the art of the Japanese sword: kotanto, tanto, and now my first long blades.

The methods I use were passed down to me by my elders. I continue to learn from them, and this is the path I share in my workshops.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to have prior experience?

No, regardless of the program. The workshops are open to both beginners and those who have already held a hammer.

Is the meal included?

For the one-day workshop, yes: lunch is included. For workshops lasting several days, everyone brings their own lunch, and we share a meal together by the fire.

Do I need to bring any equipment?

No, tools and steel are provided. Be sure to wear cotton or wool work clothes (synthetic fibers are flammable) and closed-toe shoes.

Can I take my knife with me when I leave?

Yes, you take it home at the end of the workshop. Depending on the knife, I can finish the work for an additional fee (advanced polishing, lacquering, etc.) and send it to you once it’s ready.

How do I sign up for or give a workshop as a gift?

Contact me to reserve your spot. Spots are limited so that I can continue to focus on my work.

Reservation

Book Your Workshop

The first workshops will take place in early 2027. The number of participants is intentionally limited.

If you're on the waiting list, you'll be notified first and get to choose your dates before anyone else.

Join the waiting list → Give a workshop as a gift