Can I bring my own handle material?

We supply handle materials, generally recycled exotic and native woods. If you want to bring your own, then please contact us to discuss beforehand. Wood must be machined into small pieces around 120 x 45 x 8mm. Please don't arrive with a piece of log.

Deer antler is not suitable for the type of full tang handles we are making. Red deer has too much pith, a very thin bone wall and is unsuitable for handle material.

What courses do Lost Arts offer?

Currently, we offer a one-day knife making course, a leather sheath making course and a sharpening course. If you can’t see a date for one of these, then please register your interest via the contact us page.

What type of knife can I make?

Any type you like! Well within reason. We try to keep the knife’s total length under 250 mm as we do need to fit it all into one day. We also try to steer people away from overly complex designs as there can be problems associated with making these. However, we encourage you to research and dream up your design and Bruce will help you develop it into something practically possible on the day.

How long does a knife course take?

We begin the day at 8:00am and aim to finish by 5:00pm. There is a lot involved in making a knife in one day so please don’t be surprised if we go over time. We want you to leave with an excellent knife that will last you years, so rushing the process is not something we like to do.

Do we need to bring our own food?

We provide the food for you! This includes a farmhouse lunch and afternoon tea as well as refreshments (tea, coffee, water, cordial).

If you have special dietary requirements such as vegan or severe allergies then please advise us beforehand. We will do our best to accommodate you, but in some cases it may be easier to bring your own food.

Are your knife courses suitable for beginners?

The short answer is yes! Obviously those familiar with tools will have an advantage but Bruce will teach you all the skills that are needed to get through the day. You can expect to leave the course with a new range of skills and confidence in the workshop.

Can under 18’s attend your courses?

We do recommend that students are over the age of 15 years old when they attend our course. Up to the age of 16 it is recommended that a parent or guardian is present throughout the duration of the course. If they choose not to participate in the course, there is no charge to them.

Do you take group bookings?

Yes we absolutely do. If you would like to schedule a special course for a group of you then please contact us by email. We can be flexible with dates/times to suit your needs.

Where are your courses held?

We are based out south of Auckland in a small country village called Clevedon. Our address is 43 Moumoukai Hill Road, Ness Valley, Clevedon. Make sure you don’t accidentally go to the Moumoukai Road in Hunua!

What is your cancellation policy?

We are happy for you to reschedule a course as long as it is at least 2 weeks prior to your course date. If you have to cancel your course within this period, we do not offer a reschedule/transfer unless we manage to on-sell your course to someone else in that time. We unfortunately have to do this as you have taken a spot someone else otherwise may have booked, and it is often difficult for us to fill your spot on at such short notice. When lots of people do this repeatedly, it risks us having to cancel courses due to low numbers – ruining it for everyone else.

How long are gift-vouchers valid for?

Gift-vouchers are valid for 12 months from the purchase date. Vouchers will not be extended under normal circumstances.