Bear and Thistle Forge is a traditional blacksmith and bladesmithing studio in Maryhill, Glasgow, run by Fraser Rose. You'll find it at 11A Lochburn Road, G20 9AE. It works by appointment only, seven days a week, and sessions start no later than 9am. Classes are morning only, and there are no drop-ins, so you book in advance and pay ahead of time. You can call on 07931 176878 or check the website at scottishblacksmith.co.uk.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Glasgow and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
The studio sticks to what can be made legally in the UK. It doesn't make fences, gates, doors, industrial work or restorations, and it doesn't make anything on the prohibited weapons list. The most straightforward option is the beginner class at £60, which includes one project such as a table spike, a corkscrew or a coat hook, plus safety, forge setup, forging and metal finishing. If you'd rather not share the forge, the private one-to-one tuition costs £75. The couples class is £80, and each person makes a heart, which the studio describes as a date idea. For regulars, the block classes cost £250 for 5 beginner projects (one per session) or £400 for 10. These block classes don't include bladesmithing.
For knife making, the high-carbon steel bladesmithing course costs £235 and is taught by an experienced instructor. The sgian dubh course costs £165 and covers the traditional Scottish pocket knife, made from high-carbon steel. Blades are limited to 7 inches. Larger knives, swords or pattern-welded steel cost extra. Bladesmithing project ideas need to be agreed at least seven days in advance. The forge supplies steel, hardwood for handles and pin stock. Dark wood, scale, brass, bronze, copper, inlays and mosaics are your responsibility. Unless you can show experience, the blacksmith replaces sandpaper and grinding discs for you.
A few rules are worth knowing before you go. Only adults aged 18 and over can use the workshop, and you need to be able to handle a hammer with tongs. Two people can work at the forge at once, with a maximum of ten in the workshop. Spectators aren't allowed unless the session is paid for. The dress code bans synthetic materials such as football tops, tracksuits and leggings. Jeans and work boots are recommended, legs and feet must be covered, and arms must be covered with natural material. For bladesmithing, you need to bring your own face mask, and without one you can't take part. Arrive 10 minutes early, because turning up more than 30 minutes late counts as a no-show and the class is forfeited.
On money, you need to give 48 hours' notice to cancel, otherwise the payment is lost. Rescheduling a class within three months of purchase costs £50. A full refund is available within 14 days of purchase, but not after that. Classes and courses must be completed within three months of purchase, or they have to be paid for again, unless circumstances beyond your control apply.
Published Date
21 October 2026
