Make a custom knife designed for everyday use! We will begin by hand-forging a blade of high-carbon steel and hand-finish with files, sandpaper, and stones. Students will forge their guard, bolster and pommel fittings, and heat treatments of annealing, hardening, and tempering will be employed to create a knife that holds an edge while being "tough enough" to withstand use. Handle materials will be of antler or hardwood. Students are encouraged to bring their chosen handle material, though the instructor will have ample amounts available. By popular request, we’ve added an additional day to this course so students can form and stitch a custom-fit leather sheath for their knives. This class is appropriate for beginning and intermediate smiths.

Students ages 16+ may register for this course independently. Youth ages 12-16 are welcome to register with an adult. Adult/child pairs can choose to complete one or two project(s) and pay the corresponding materials fee(s). A 25% tuition discount applies to the youth registrant when registering with a full-paying adult; call to register.

Required Tools

• Ear protection
• Eye protection
• Non-synthetic material clothing
• Leather gloves
• Note taking materials

Optional Tools

• Handle material, i.e. antler, bone, or wood
• 8" half round file, medium to fine cut-6" flat file, medium to fine cut