Starting in 2016 I have partnered with the Roswell Art Center teaching beginner and intermediate knifemaking classes.
LINKS –
Class Descriptions and Links
This 12 hour workshop will introduce beginning and intermediate participants to basic techniques of bladesmithing. You will experience a very active class with an emphasis on hands on learning with hammer, heat and iron. Your experience will be an instructional journey through tools and equipment, material selection, body mechanics, design considerations, forging techniques, basic heat treating principles and finishing methods. On day one will begin with participants forging a blade from 5160 steel and conclude with grinding and hardening of the blades. Day two will concentrate on refinement as well as fit and finish with a 2-part wooden handle. Propane forges will be used
These are12 hour workshops for ages 16 and over.
This 12-hour intermediate to advanced course will build upon basic skills by introducing new forging techniques for working at the anvil individually and with a partner/striker. Punching, drifting, spreading, and other forging techniques will be explored to create utilitarian camp-style axes designed to chop, cut, and throw. Participants will be working with a section of 1085 round bar, gas forges, and a variety of tools to forge their axe heads. 19″ hickory single bit handles will be provided, and all participants should leave with a 2 pound ready-to-use tool. Some forging experience is required. Ages 18 and over.
Damascus Basics – Dates TBD
This 12 hour workshop will introduce intermediate participants to basic techniques of Damascus making and pattern development. You will experience a very active class with an emphasis on hands on learning with hammer, power hammers, hydraulic presses, heat and iron. Your experience will be an instructional journey through tools and equipment, material selection, body mechanics, forging techniques, basic forge welding principles and finishing methods. On day one will begin with participants selecting materials and constructing a billet from High Carbon tool steel and 15n20 Nickel Steel, once the billet is prepared participants will forge weld under the hydraulic press and power hammer to form their desired patterns. Day two will complete the patterning process and forge the billet out into a bar suitable for use in future knife making. Participants will complete a damascus billet suitable for 1-2 knives Propane forges will be used
These are12 hour workshops for ages 16 and over.