courses in grÄnsfors 2017 - hem · courses in grÄnsfors 2017 . ... lunch, coffee and dinner, book...

Gränsfors Bruk AB – Phone +46 (0) 652-710 90, +46 (0) 73-059 88 99 [email protected] – www.gransforsbruk.com

COURSES IN GRÄNSFORS 2017

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.gransforsbruk.com/


Gränsfors Bruk Over more than 100 years, Gränsfors Bruks AB has built up a business based around

handcrafted axes and axe expertise, with a focus on quality and environmental

responsibility. Today, 30 people work here in production and sales. 80 procent of the

production is exported to 30 countries. The company is located in the Swedish village of

Gränsfors in northern Hälsingland, around 10 km west of the E4 motorway, between

Hudiksvall and Sundsvall. The forge sits at the heart of the village and you can hear the

rhythmic pounding as you approach. In addition to the forge and a factory shop, there is

also an axe museum and during the summer a café and craft courses in subjects such as

forging and log-building.

Gränsfors village

In some places, history and tradition converge with modern times in a completely natural way.

One such place is Gränsfors. Firmly established along a meandering river, Gränsfors is situated in

the north of Hälsingland. Just a short detour off the busy E4 motorway, you will find yourself in

a world you thought no longer existed. A vibrant culture of craft and industry has thrived here

for hundreds of years. Mills, stove builders, breweries, sawmills, forges and much more have

been in operation along the river at one time or another. Two of these fine craft-based industries

still remain in full operation: Gränsfors Bruk makes quality axes and Gränsfors Blomkruksfabrik

turns out superb flowerpots. Gränsfors is a living place above all, a place where history informs

the modern pulse of life.




Forging courses

For many years we have organized courses at Gränsfors Bruks axe forge. The courses are

led by Fredrik Thelin who is a qualified and experienced blacksmith. Fredrik has

worked as a professional blacksmith for 20 years and has extensive experience in various

forms of cooperation with Gränsfors Bruks. The well-equipped course forge in Gränsfors

has many over the years take their first step into hot forging fascinated world. All

courses provide gloves, hearing protection, goggles and apron.

Log-building courses

The instructor takes course participants through log-building from log to finished

house. Participants have the opportunity to try out and use various broad axes, other

axes and traditional equipment for log-building. Instruction is also given in the use of

modern equipment for sawing logs for building log houses. The course books are ‘From

Log to Log House’ by Sven-Gunnar Håkansson and ‘Knuttimring’ [Timber Jointing] by

Jan-Ove Jansson. The courses are led by Andreas Hipf and Tomas Ljungström who is

both skilled carpenters with long experience.




Forging course – Foundation 5 days

Education in Swedish and English.

No previous knowledge is required. With the help of examples and instructions,

participants will be given a step-by-step introduction to the methods and holds involved

in hot forging. You will learn to light and use the forge and get to know a little more

about the tools and material used. You will start by forging a candlestick, some hooks

and then a few pieces of door furniture: a hinge, hasp, handle and nail. You are

encouraged to bring along some simple ideas about what you want to learn to forge. The

course has scope for individualization and the course leader will make sure that

everyone gets to grips with their new-found forging knowledge.

Course information

Course price: 9200 SEK including VAT

Content: Practical instruction including materials

Lunch, coffee and dinner, Book – Swedish Blacksmithing

Date: 3 – 7 July

Forging course – Tool making 5 days


A level of previous knowledge equivalent to the Foundation forging course is recommended. On

this course, you will learn to make forging tools and steel-edged tools using traditional

methods (forge, hammer and anvil). You will learn how to forge a mandrel, tongs and a

splitting chisel. The forging tools that the course participants have made will then be

used to forge a laminated axe. To practice welding techniques, you will also get to forge

a few laminated knife blades. The course also includes information on materials,

tempering and grinding. There is plenty of scope for your own ideas during the course.

Course information

Course price: 9200 SEK included VAT



Date: 10 – 14 July




Forging course - Damascus 5 days


Previous experience equivalent to Forging Courses – Foundation is required. With the

help of examples and instructions, the participant step by step insight into and learn the

basics of Damascus forging arts and methods, also known as pattern welding. That is

what the course is all about, with welding techniques and layering to create different

patterns in the steel and learn to control and manage the pattern of the material. In this

course you will learn to mix different steel; carbon steel, nickel steel, unalloyed steel and

pure nickel, as well as gain an understanding of the material properties and what

material should be selected depending on the pattern you want to create, but also what

one thought to use the steel for the type of object. Welding technique used not only to

create beautiful patterns, but also to create a unique composition of different materials

based on the blacksmith's wishes.

Objective of the course is the production of basic material Damascus and to learn the

technique how it is created. During the course there will be room to forge something of

the self-produced Damascus steel such as knives, jewelry, etc. The course also examines

the fundamentals of tempering, sharpening, polishing and etching.

Course information




Date: 17 – 21 July

Forging course – Tailor Made


Book your tailor-made forging experience in Gränsfors – a fantastic event for co-worker

and company groups, friends or stag parties. Time for your own project planning and

experiences may be included. Max. 8 people and up to 5 working days.

Call or send an email for more information and prices.




Forging course – Forging an axe 2 days


Now is your chance to try making your own axe. Gränsfors Bruks, together with

Naturkompaniet developed a "try-on" course in axe forging. This course is ideal for

those who want to try something very different or for a group of friends who have

already done it all.

In a group of maximum 8 people, you get by using templates and instructions, step by

step insight into axe forgings drills and practices. You will learn how light the forge, and

a little about the tools and materials used. Course focus is to try out the foundation of

the forging and manufacturing the various steps. You begin to forge the axe head, then

follow the post as hardening, tempering, grinding and put the handle on the axe head.

The goal of the course is that each participant will be able to bring their own

manufactured axe home. No previous experience required.

Course information



Breakfast, lunch, coffee, dinner and accommodation

for 1 night.

Dates: 17 – 18 Mars, 7 – 8 April, 21 – 22 April, 28 – 29 April,

5 – 6 May, 12 – 13 May, 9 – 10 June, 16 – 17 June

15 – 16 September, 22 – 23 September, 6 – 7 October

13 – 14 October, 20 – 21 October




Forging course – Forging a knife 2 days


Now is your chance to try making your own axe. Gränsfors Bruks has developed a "try-

on" course in knife forging. This course is ideal for those who want to try something very

different or for a group of friends who have already done it all.

In a group of maximum 8 people, you get by using templates and instructions, step by

step insight into knife forgings drills and practices. You will learn how light the forge,

and a little about the tools and materials used.

Course focus is to try out the foundation of knife forging, you may try to forge a pair of

knife blades for example, Women's knife. In this course, you learn also to grind, harden

and tempering the knife blades. The goal of the course is that each participant will be

able to bring their own manufactured knives blades home. No experience required.

Course information



Breakfast, lunch, coffee, dinner and accommodation

for 1 night.

Dates: 2 – 3 June, 29 – 30 September




Log-building course (Hälsingeknut) 7 days

Education in Swedish.

Course content

Design of a simple log house

Ground and foundation

Log-building tools and how to sharpen them

Obtaining, selecting, drying and sawing timber

Notches

Hewing technique

Types of joints – Hälsingeknut

Dowelling

Door and window opening

Roof construction

Grinding – The different phases, coarse and fine grinding

Browning and strigling

Different edges and their grinding technologies

What to bring to the course?

Spirit level, carpenter’s square, folding rule, carpenter’s pencil, ear defenders, wet

weather clothes including hat and boots. Safety shoes are recommended but not

required. It is an advantage if you have read the course books mentioned above.

This course is held by Tomas Ljungström. Tomas is a skilled carpenter with over 25

years’ experience of building log houses.

Course information

Course price: 10 000 SEK included VAT


Lunch, coffee and dinner

Gränsfors Broadaxe model 1900

Dates: 26 June – 2 July, 31 July – 6 August




Log-building course (Dalaknut) 7 days Education in Swedish, English and German.

Course content

Design of a simple log house

Ground and foundation

Log-building tools and how to sharpen them

Obtaining, selecting, drying and sawing timber

Notches

Hewing technique

Types of joints – Hälsingeknut

Dowelling

Door and window opening

Roof construction

Grinding – The different phases, coarse and fine grinding

Browning and strigling

Different edges and their grinding technologies

What to bring to the course?

Spirit level, carpenter’s square, folding rule, carpenter’s pencil, ear defenders, wet

weather clothes including hat and boots. Safety shoes are recommended but not

required. It is an advantage if you have read the course books mentioned above.

This course is held by Andreas Hipf. Andreas is a talented carpenter with a multi-year

experience in the field and is a trained carpenter in Germany. Andreas has also been

hiking journeyman during his trip, he worked with carpenters for over ten different

countries.

Course information

Course price: 10 000 SEK included VAT


Lunch, coffee and dinner

Gränsfors Broadaxe model 1900

Dates: 14 – 20 August, 4 – 10 September




General information about the courses

Timetable

2 days: Course 09.00 – 17.30 day 1, 08.00 – 16.00 day 2, collection in the factory store day

1.

5 days: Course 09.00 – 17.00 every day, collection in the factory store day 1.

7 days: Course 09.00 – 17.00 every day, collection in the factory store day 1.

Signing up for a course

Please register on our website under the tab www.gransforsbruk.com courses> course

application or phone +46 (0) 652 – 244 54 / +46 (0) 730 – 59 88 99.

After course registration will be sent a confirmation along with more information about

Gränsfors and your stay during the course.

Payment for courses

Full payment of the course fee is paid within 15 days after receiving the booking

confirmation.

Along with booking confirmation, we will send an advance invoice with the full amount

of the fee that must be paid within 15 days, absent the payment canceled the reservation

and you lose your place at the course.

The course fee can only be paid in advance by invoice, we have no way to receive the

course fee in cash / card payment.

Receipt of the course is submitted in connection with the course. Accommodation and

meals are payable on departure.

Accommodation, food for accompanying and other sales in the cafe and our factory store

can pay in cash or using major credit cards.




Accommodation

Overnight in Gränsfors can usually be booked together with the course.

Gränsfors Bruk offer different kind of accommodation.

Log cabin

Right next to the log-building area there are four log cabins. The cabins have two to four

beds, electricity, but no running water. The site also has a service building with a

communal kitchenette and lounge, plus a toilet block with shower and eco toilet. The

river that runs alongside the log cabins is good for bathing. There is also a wood fired

sauna there. Take a torch if you are here in late summer!

Augustas

Augustas offers a simple café on the lower floor and three rooms upstairs. There are two

single rooms and one room that is slightly larger with a small double bed (120 cm).

There are also communal areas on the upstairs floor: toilet, shower and kitchenette.

Breakfast is served downstairs, where there is a kitchen (for staff only), dining room and

guest toilet. There are also tables outside for the café guests.

Dammstugan

Dammstugan is an old red cottage located right next to the old dam. In Dammstugan

there are two single bedrooms and a large double bedroom with own WC/shower.

Dammstugan is also have common areas; WC, shower, kitchen and a small living room

with a sofa.

Caravan/Tent

Caravans can be placed outside Augustas. Tents can be pitched about 30 m from

Augustas, on the other side of the river. There is a power outlet outside Augustas and a

guest toilet in

Augustas. The shower and toilet block is located by the log-building area and log cabins.




Prices – Accommodation

Price per night, excluding breakfast. Sheets and towels are not included but can be

ordered separately.

Log-cabin (2 beds) 400 SEK/night

Log-cabin (4 beds) 600 SEK/night

Augustas - Single 400 SEK/night

Dammstugan – Single 400 SEK/night

Dammstugan – Double 600 SEK/night

Caravan 100 SEK/night

Tent Free

Food & Drink

At Augusta's restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. During the summer, the

restaurant serving the public. Extra meals and requests for special diets must be notified

when booking.

Getting to Gränsfors

Gränsfors is about 35 mil north of Stockholm, between Hudiksvall and Sundsvall, 10 km

west of E4, along the road between Gnarp and Bergsjövägen. A map is available on

www.gransforsbruk.com

The immediate area

Gränsfors located in Nordanstig in Hälsingland. More information about Gränsfors

available on www.gransforsbruk.com, and about the neighborhood on

www.nordanstig.se and www.halsingland.se




http://www.halsingland.se/


Visit Gränsfors

Gränsfors Bruks Axe Forge

Gränsfors Bruk is open weekdays from 9 am to 3 pm.

The Axe Forge is closed on weekends.

Guided tours at Gränsfors Bruks

During the summer season we are held guided tours of the axe production on Tuesday,

Wednesday and Thursday at 10 am and 12:30 pm with the collection in the factory store.

No advance booking is required.

Other times of the year, you are welcome to book guided tours of the axe production,

which is done to Phone: +46 (0) 652 - 244 54 or +46 (0) 730- 59 88 99.

A guided tour takes about 30 minutes and the tour is free.

Gränsfors Bruks Factory Store

Open for visitors on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. The store is closed on Saturdays and

Sundays. During the summer season the factory store held open also on Saturdays from

10 am to 2 pm.

Axe Museum

Next door to the forge lies Gränsfors Axe Museum, packed with over 2,000 axes from

floor to ceiling. And anyone who thinks an axe is an axe is in for a surprise – there are

special axes for most purposes. The museum’s collection includes root axes, notching

axes, marking axes, mortise axes, packing house axes, adzes, pick axes, fire axes, battle

axes, executioner’s axes and double bit throwing axes, to name but a few. The museum

also has on display axe models forged at Gränsfors Bruk and in Gränsfors before the

time of the forge. The oldest axe from Gränsfors is a small stone axe that dates back

around 3,500 years and was found on the river bank.

At Gränsfors Axe Museum, visitors can try their hand at throwing an axe and chopping

and splitting firewood. The museum is open weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm.

The Axe Museum is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free.




Around Gränsfors

Lakes, beaches, forests and mountains

Upstream of Gränsfors lies a sizeable lake, Grännsjön that is perfect for fishing and

swimming. There are two excellent sandy beaches to enjoy: Krusbaden and Jägarviken.

Around the lake stretch endless forests with peaks at 200-300 meters above sea level.

On a clear day, from nearby Klövberget you can see the Gulf of Bothnia to the east and

the blue mountains of Hassela in the west.

Bergsjö

10 km west of Gränsfors is the village Bergsjö. Here lives about 1,500 people and coming

from Gränsfors, this is the nearest place to find supermarket, ATM and gas station. In

Bergsjö is also the bus station where buses run daily to Hudiksvall and Sundsvall.

Gnarp

10 km east of Gränsfors, at the motorway E4, is the village Gnarp. Here floats Gnarpsån

and here you can visit Gnarps church from the late 1700′s. From Gnarp you can also

take the train and bus to Sundsvall and Hudiksvall and coaches to Stockholm.

Högen

The village of Högen is a peaceful spot just south of Bergsjö, beautifully situated beside

the lakes of Kyrksjön and Storsjön, and clearly illustrates the long history of iron in the

local area. You can see graves and ruins and imagine life back in the 6th century. Access

to the sea, the social life of the village and bog iron are essential building blocks in the

history of iron. This was an import site during the Iron Age, as is shown in a small

exhibition in a nearby log cabin. Contact Nordanstig Municipality for more

information. www.nordanstig.se

The Gulf of Bothnia

Twenty kilometres to the east lies the Gulf of Bothnia with wonderful, often wholly

unspoiled, beaches. You will also find a string of beautiful small coastal communities,



http://www.nordanstig.se/


including Sörfjärden with its beach and golf course, and Mellanfjärden, which has a

hotel and the Sjömärket Restaurant. Running along the coast is Kuststigen, a walking

trail from village to village, stretching 60 km in total.

Hassela Ski Resort

Hassela, 20 km west of Gränsfors, has 12 downhill ski runs, cross-country skiing trails,

scooter safaris, dog sled tours and spa facilities during the winter season. In the

summer, Hassela has a choice of two golf courses. www.hasselaski.se



http://www.hasselaski.se/

courses in grÄnsfors 2017 - hem · courses in grÄnsfors 2017 . ... lunch, coffee and dinner, book...

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