Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Historic Craftsmanship – Learn in Da Sy, a centuries-old blacksmithing village known for its masterful blades.
- Unique Female-Led Forge – Work with the only officially recognized female artisan in the trade, who has dedicated 44 years to preserving this craft.
- Hands-On Experience – Design, forge, shape, and sharpen your own knife using traditional techniques and tools.
- Guided by Experts – Get step-by-step instruction from skilled artisans in a fully equipped workshop.
- Authentic Cultural Insight – Discover the history and resilience behind Vietnam’s knife-making tradition, including a rare tar-based sharpening technique.
- Take Home Your Own Handmade Knife – A unique, functional souvenir crafted by your own hands!
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
All tools are provided at the artisan's house, along with all necessary safety equipment for knife making.
(Optional)
Famous for its centuries-old forging tradition, Da Sy was once known for supplying weaponry during Vietnam’s historical wars. In this interactive workshop, you’ll immerse yourself in the knife-making process, step by step: - Design: Begin by sketching your blade on a carefully selected piece of durable metal, chosen for its strength and quality. - Forging: Cut out the blade and tang (the part that fits into the handle) using traditional tools like hammers, cutters, and an anvil. Heat them in the fiery forge to prepare for shaping. - Shaping: Work side-by-side with artisans, taking turns hammering the metal into the desired shape. A hydraulic machine will help refine any rough edges for a smooth finish. - Sharpening: Finally, sharpen the blade on a grindstone. This process includes several steps, one involving a unique tar-based wash—an age-old family secret passed down through generations! Throughout the experience, our skilled artisan will guide you, ensuring every detail of your work reflects your personal touch. You’ll bring home not just a beautifully crafted knife but also a part of yourself in its creation—a piece you can use to create delicious meals and lasting memories.
Private Car
47 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Linda Z,
Oct 15, 2025
- Viator
Went to the knife making class on my last day in Hanoi. We booked the private class with car the night before and I reached out to the provider to areange the pickup point. Communication was great and fast, even though it was quite late already. I recommed booking the private class - I really enjoyed that it was just the two of us, the blacksmith and the guide. Out guide Mint was so wonderful- not only did she explain all the steps of the process, she also shared a lot about Hanoi, the blacksmith and even the technical details of what was going on throughout the process- we enjoyed it so much and were able to ask questions to the master. They assisted with picking out the design and even indulged us in our choice of unique shaped blades as well which was admittedly personalised and more complex. They also have a lot of options to see and pick from design-wise on spot. The class is very hands on- from shaping the handle to hammering and sharpening the blade- you get to be a part of each step. They also pack it safely for you to get it home. In the end your knife can slice through paper with no issues. You also get a small certificate in the end. Definitely will re-visit this when back in Hanoi with perhaps a more specific design in mind. This was the best practical experience we did in Hanoi.
gabkatiscru,
Jun 17, 2025
- Viator
This was an amazing experience! We bought one ticket because we only wanted to make one knife. Everything was hands-on from selecting knife design, carving the handle, forging the steel, shaping and sharpening the knife. The experience was excellent. The history of the knife making village was great and you are making the knife in the artisans home that was built above the workshop. I definitely recommend! I wish Viator machetes this activity more. The only reason we found out was because we have Nick, the tour guide, on another activity.
Shane B,
Jun 14, 2025
- Viator
The class was great fun and very hands-on! I went through all the steps in selecting the design of the knife and forging, hammering, grinding, honing and sharpening the knife. The artisan is certified, very skilled, very patient with beginners and supportive. Nick was a great guide and I really enjoyed the time chatting with him for his Vietnam insights (thanks Nick!). I was able to purchase a few extra knives to complete my kitchen collection. I have a very unique souvenir to take home with me from Vietnam.
Audrey L,
May 12, 2025
- Viator
This was a super fun experience. We got to learn from the elders in the knife making village, and were able to customise everything from the handle to the blade. While this isn’t one of those chill chill laid back courses, it’s a great alternative to typical jewelry making classes, and comes with a brilliant tour guide, Nick. We’ll be back once our knives wear out 🤣
Alex w,
May 6, 2025
- Viator
It was one of the kind, unique, fun, hands-on. I had a great time, happy to get it send back to home as well, just gotta check the regulations at home country airport lol….. my was only 14cm length, regular shape. Hope your country has different rules then can get a really fun one.
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