Highly prized for centuries for its uncanny strength, ability to hold an edge and distinctively beautiful swirling and flowing patterns, Damascus steel is art: forge welding at its finest as you combine different types of steel, forge them through fire and hammer into one solid billet. Like a baker uses kneading and folding to create a loaf of marble rye bread, the blacksmith uses welding, folding and drawing techniques to create a completely unique piece of steel. Through this course you will learn how to forge weld a Damascus steel billet and will then turn the billet into a knife. Knife style and profile are open ended and students are encouraged to come with something in mind. By giving a detailed look at topics like annealing, normalizing, heat-treating, thermal cycling, grain structure, grinding techniques, polishing and finishing this course is meant to give a thorough understanding of working with steel. The class is open to students of all skill levels, from students anxious to pick up a hammer for the first time to experienced smiths looking to develop new skills. Depending on skill level students may or may not go home with a finished blade but everyone will leave with a solid foundation and understanding of knife forging and working steel. Materials fee includes the use of coal/gas for forgework and the costs of steel, etc. An optional Day 7 is available for students who would like to complete more intricate handle work. $85 tuition, $45 materials.