Course Description

'I immediately felt at ease with Nick and Chen's gentle approach. Nick's clear teaching and demonstration was supported by Chen’s hands on guidance and watchful eye. We were given plenty of time to have a go at each technique, to take notes and photographs and it felt a really safe environment to ask questions. Nick and Chen’s partnership creates a beautiful energy that's really conducive to learning, but more importantly to enjoying this craft and I left feeling inspired. They are both incredibly generous at sharing their knowledge and skill and I would whole-heartedly recommend this course to Forest School leaders or anyone wishing to hone their knife skills.'

At a glance, this course:

• Uses natural sustainable materials​​
• Connects people with nature

About the workshop

Master one of the most important bushcraft skills with this practical, hands-on knife skills course in the beautiful South Downs of Hampshire. Whether you're new to bushcraft, an outdoor educator or looking to refine your existing skills, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to use a fixed-blade knife safely, efficiently and with purpose.

Drawing on over 25 years of experience teaching essential bushcraft skills, your instructor will guide you through the capabilities and limitations of a fixed-blade knife as a bushcraft tool, sharing practical techniques, good working habits and the confidence to get the most from one of the most versatile tools you can carry.  Beginning with the basics of knife anatomy, you'll learn what makes a suitable knife for woodworking, whittling, Forest School and bushcraft.

Through expert tuition, demonstrations and hands-on practice, you'll progressively develop your skills working with green wood.  You'll learn essential knife handling techniques, from fundamental cuts and carving methods through to more advanced carving skills. The day will include practical exercises exploring a range of bushcraft techniques, including the methods used to create useful campcraft items such as a folding bucksaw.

Safety underpins every aspect of the course. You'll develop safe working practices, learn how to use cutting tools responsibly around yourself and others, and explore essential sharpening techniques together with the best methods for maintaining and storing your knife.  If you work in outdoor education, there will also be opportunities to discuss risk assessment, safe systems of work and effective techniques for introducing knife skills to children, young people and adult learners.

The course will give you:

• Confidence in using a fixed blade knife for carving and campcraft
• Understanding of how to work safely with cutting tools
• Understanding of knife maintenance and sharpening skills
• How to identify suitable materials for woodcraft
• Knowledge of campcraft projects to inspire others
• Ways of delivering learnt skills to others

This course is suitable for:

Suitable for beginners and those with experience of using knifes for wood craft, including Forest School Leaders and other outdoor practitioners wishing to improve their skills.  Hand/grip strength is needed for this course, if you have a hand/wrist injury/arthritis, please contact the courses team for advice before booking.

What to bring:

• Walking boots or stout shoes only (no open-toed footwear)
• Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing​
• Packed lunch or lunch can be purchased from the Beech Cafe
• A water bottle
• Camera, notebook and pencil

Cancellations, refunds, and bursaries:

Read the full Adult Courses Cancellations and Refunds Policy and Courses Bursary Fund Information.

About the tutor