The heart of the knife lies in its blade. This course brings the crafts of blacksmithing and knifemaking together as participants unlock the Scandinavian bladesmithing traditions. A thorough discussion of history and culture, as well as hands-on experience, will give students an approach to crafting a blade that is both a reflection of longstanding tradition and personal expression. Using a method popular in Scandinavia, but approachably simple, students will forge a knife blade using techniques for forging, grinding, and hardening with simple tools and their own effort. There will be a short introduction to the laminated blade with forge welding of edge steel and soft iron. This class is suitable for beginners and intermediate students, but novices should come prepared for a steep and challenging learning curve. North House Folk School is pleased to welcome Danish smith Lars Mørch back to Minnesota by popular demand. 

Required Tools

• Leather gloves
• Jeans
• Cotton shirts (no nylon clothing)
• Leather shoes
• Clothing comfortable to be outdoors

Optional Tools

• Safety glasses
• Ear protection
• Steel punch
• Steel chisels
• Hack saw
• Vice grips
• Channel locks
• Camera
• Your favorite blacksmithing hammer (non claw types 1-3lb hammer)
• Good file for steel
• Tongs or over-sized pliers
• Any hammer heads that you like to use (non-claw)
• Ball-peen hammer(s) and/or heads to be modified into a suitable blacksmithing hammer