For hundreds of years the puukko knife has been the prized tool of Northern Europe and Scandinavia for its versatility and simple elegance. In this course you will learn how to perform the traditional techniques used by Northern craftsmen for centuries including the forging of the blade, fitting and crafting of the handle, and the making of a sheath. The blade will be a damascus blade (or pattern welding), a steel that was used by the Vikings to create their tools and weapons. The handle will be made out of birch bark and small pieces of wood. Small birch bark squares will be stacked one on top of the other and laminated together to form a solid and beautiful handle. We will sew the sheath from leather. This course will bring these ancient techniques back to life to create a functional and beautiful tool.

You will need the following tools for this class:

Safety glasses (Non tinted) Ear protection Leather gloves Jeans Natural fiber clothing only (no nylon clothing) Leather shoes or boots (boots are preferred) Hammer (non claw types - 1-3lb hammer) A good file for steel and rasp for wood Tongs or over-sized pliers Clothing comfortable to be outdoors (long sleeves preferred for the first two days of class) Water bottle

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course. Leather apron