There is nothing quite like hand forging your own knife. This introductory 1 day class will teach you how to hand forge a basic knife as it has been done through the ages with step by step instruction by Neels van den Berg, American Bladesmith Society Journeyman Smith and member of the Knifemaker's Guild of Southern Africa. The class focuses on the fundamentals of forging, grinding and heat-treating a blade. No previous Bladesmithing experience is needed but enthusiasm and a willingness to learn is important. The knife will be forged from SAE5160, a medium carbon spring steel perfect for the intended application.
During the class you will be guided through:
- Forging your knife and blade to shape
- Basic flat grinding
- Heat treating - hardening and tempering
- Blade finishing and sharpening.
Outcome:
A single hand forged knife as pictured on the left. No handle scales and no sheath.
Class notes are provided in the form of my Bladesmithing 101 DVD and is included in the class fee. Additional copies of any of my other DVD's can be bought at an additional cost of R150 per DVD.
Video:
A video of the forging part of the class can be seen on my YouTube channel by clicking here.
Booking:
Please read the terms & conditions before booking! If you wish to book a course, please phone me on 083 451 3105 for availability as the website is not always up to date.
Terms & Conditions:
- I require FULL payment upon any class booking. If you cancel a class 5 days prior to the class date, you will lose the full class fee.
- Payment can be made via bank transfer, cash or card (Card facilities at the forge)
- I currently only offer classes for students 16 years and older. Minors will need to be accompanied by a legal guardian for the duration of the class.
- Safety equipment is provided for all classes in the form of safety glasses, apron and leather gloves.
- Safety glasses must be worn at all times.
- Please ensure that you have non-flammable clothing and sturdy leather shoes or boots. No shorts!
- In the unlikely event of a class being cancelled by me, all class fees are fully refundable. However I cannot be responsible for any other costs incurred.
- You must be in reasonably good physical condition in order to successfully complete any of my classes. Bladesmithing requires a degree of exertion. The dangers for those who have mobility issues will make these classes difficult or impossible to complete. When in doubt, phone me on 083 451 3105 to discuss.
- Failure to realize that you are not physically capable, will not be grounds for a refund.
- I reserve the right to deny classes to anyone who I consider not physically capable of completing the given class.
