Hanoi knife making workshop tour

Service Description

Have you ever wanted to own a knife that is unique to you and also made by you? If your answer is YES! Then this tour is for you. We'll take you to visit a village that have been known for making the best knives in Vietnam since the 18th centuries. Here you'll be choosing a knife from a list of sample models that you can freely modify. Better yet, if you already have a design in mind, tell us and we'll check the feasibility of it. Once we've reached an agreement, it's time to start working. It's a seven step process that is very easy to do: Step 1 Forging: Hammering the hot knife to form a rough form of the blade, after doing this, you'll feel like you've been working out on the wrong muscle groups at the gym. Step 2 Handle making: Practice a bit of carpentry to make your very own knife handle, we torch the handle at the end so that it's safe to bring through customs. Step 3 Grinding: Using a grinder, you're going to grind the knife into your desired shape, for some people touching the grinder for the first time could feel very intimidating. Rest assure as our craftsmen are happy to take over and help you at any part that you don't feel comfortable doing. Step 4 Quenching: This is what you normally see on TV whenever there's a blacksmithing scene, the iconic heating it up very hot then cooling it down. It's not all flare though as doing this will actually helps strengthening the knife, making it significantly harder. Step 5 Sharpening: Sharpening your knife on the grinder. It sounds simple, but actually is one of the most difficult part of the experience. Sharpen and cool it off every now and then. Once finish, our craftsmen will help fix any patches along the way. Step 6 Assembly: Putting the knife into the handle, you are very close to the finish line! Step 7 Final sharpening: Sharpen your knife on a wet stone with a different technique special to Vietnam. After all that, your knife is finish. The tour include: English speaking tour guide. 2 way transport (within Hanoi). The knife you made in the workshop. Local treats and drinks prepared by the host family. Doesn't include: Food and drinks outside. Other knives in the store.