The smith
Fire, anvil, passion.
Daniel Gentile combines traditional and modern techniques and works with high-quality, sustainable materials – such as Swiss fruit-tree woods. On his forging courses in Laufen, he shows you how to forge your own knife, axe or sword.
«Working at the anvil, with fire and steel, is my passion – a part of my life and of who I am.»
Daniel Gentile
Bladesmith & instructor
Bladesmith · Forging courses · Handmade in Switzerland
Made from fire and steel.
Since 1998 I have been forging knives, swords and axes in Damascus steel, by hand and in Switzerland – and on my courses I show you how to forge your own.
Book a course
Forge your own
Forging courses for knives, axes and swords – from one day, no experience needed, in small groups.
CoursesBuy a knife
One-off pieces and small series in Damascus steel, with handles in Swiss fruit-tree wood.
Knife shopGive a course
A voucher for the course of your choice – valid for two years, date open.
VouchersHave one made
Designed by me, forged for you: you choose the use, the pattern and the handle material.
Bespoke-
Since 1998Handmade in Switzerland
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Damascus steelEvery blade one of a kind
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Small groups1–6 people per course
Forging courses
Your own knife.In one to three days.
From a one-day introduction to the Damascus course – and individual courses for swords.
All courses
1 day · CHF 400 / 650
One-day knife forging course
Your own simple kitchen or outdoor knife in one day – in carbon steel or in Damascus steel I have prepared for you.
A kitchen or outdoor knife in a single day.
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2 days · CHF 980
Two-day Damascus steel course
You forge your own Damascus steel from scratch – about 100 layers in a “wild” pattern – and make your knife from it.
Your own 80-layer Damascus – and a knife from it.
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3 days · CHF 1600
Three-day course – advanced knives & Damascus steel
For more complex Damascus techniques or a larger, more elaborate knife – for beginners and experienced makers.
Advanced Damascus techniques or a larger knife.
Find out moreCourses in German and English – French or Italian on request.
Knives & bespoke work
One-offs,not mass production.
Every knife is made by hand – from the steel to the handle. See the shop for what is available now.
Knife shop
Sold · CHF 6,300.00 incl. VAT
Wakizashi, Damascus steel with 6,000 layers, full koshirae
Sold · CHF 2,900.00 incl. VAT
Pa Cham Dao, butterfly swords (pair)
Sold · CHF 1,600.00 incl. VAT
Custom folding knife, mokume gane, Damascus steel
Bespoke. A knife, sword or axe from my hand, matched to you – with a no-obligation quote.
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