On-Campus Courses

A blacksmith strikes hot metal on an anvil, creating a burst of bright orange sparks in a dark workshop. A fire glows in the background, highlighting the intensity of the forging process.

Bladesmithing Lab Class

This course provides the opportunity to advance your skills in all areas of knifemaking. Students will receive feedback and guidance in the practices of forging, grinding, Damascus, etc. Perfect for students who have completed the introductory course and who are ready to hone and refine their bladesmithing skills. This is a 3-day course from 8 […]

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Two ornate hunting knives with patterned Damascus steel blades and polished wooden handles rest on brown leather sheaths, highlighting their craftsmanship and intricate details.

Damascus Steel

Basic patterns will be included in this detailed study of Damascus Steel. Attention will also be given to pattern variations, pattern manipulation, etc. By the completion of this course, a student is expected to be able to consistently produce Damascus blades of excellent quality in a variety of patterns. As a prerequisite, participants should have

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Two men work together in a workshop; one holds tongs with metal on an anvil while the other hammers it. Both wear safety glasses and casual work clothes. The workshop is filled with tools and equipment.

Introduction to Bladesmithing

This 2-week Introduction to Bladesmithing course runs Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and includes lecture and hands-on work and is designed for anyone interested in making quality hand-forged blades. Metal selection, function, and different blade designs will be discussed. Hammer forging to shape, annealing, heat treating, grinding, and tempering will be taught. These semi-finished blades will

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Working at the power hammer

Handles & Guards

Includes detailed information on handles, both full-tang and narrow tang, guards, butt caps, decorative file work, spiral dagger handles, silver inlay work, finished blades, etc. Students will be instructed on how to make a professional-looking knife. Participants are expected to possess the skill and knowledge necessary to forge and grind blades before taking this course.

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