This comprehensive hands-on workshop will immerse you deeply in the world of knifesmithing, the art, science, and practice of using intense heat and hammers (among other specialized tools) to shape raw steel into functional works of art. You will transform a piece of ordinary rebar, a steel reinforcing rod commonly used in construction, into a beautiful and unique knife of your own distinctive design and vision.
The first substantial portion of this intensive workshop will focus on heating and shaping the rebar with a hammer and professional anvil. You will heat your steel in our propane forge until it reaches red-hot temperatures suitable for working, then use a hammer and anvil to create the precise profile and outline of your knife blade. Through repeated and satisfying cycles of heating and strategic shaping, you will gradually form your desired blade shape and profile. This is a great full-body workout that engages your arms, shoulders, and core muscles.
After you have successfully created the rough shape of your knife blade, you will use a professional grinder to refine the shape further and form the bevel of your knife. The bevel is the angled cutting edge that makes your knife function as an effective cutting tool and determines its sharpness and performance.
Finally, you will heat the knife up one final time and quench it in oil to harden the blade and improve its strength and durability. This involves red-hot metal and usually produces visible fire when you dunk your hot knife into the oil bath. It is the ultimate Instagram-worthy photo or video moment that many participants enjoy capturing and sharing. Ever seen the television show Forged in Fire? That is exactly what you will be doing in this workshop, experiencing the drama and satisfaction of heat treating your blade.
We will take a well-deserved break while your knife cools gradually after you quench it. During this cooling time, feel free to grab a slice from the excellent pizza place around the corner called Table 87. You are also welcome to utilize our comfortable lounge area to relax with your pizza slice, a cold drink, and your new workshop friends. Take full advantage of your time out of the apartment and make a memorable night of it with good company.
Once we reconvene in the workshop, you will put the finishing touches on your masterpiece, wrapping your knife's handle with protective grip material and sharpening it to a razor-sharp edge that is ready for use. You will leave the workshop with a stunning piece of functional artistry, a slightly sore arm from the rewarding workout, and a genuine newfound sense of pride in your craftsmanship and abilities.
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What You Will Be Making: Your own unique, custom forged knife created from rebar steel
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What You Will Be Doing: Shaping your blade with copious amounts of intense heat and repeated hammer strikes, plus additional refinement help from a professional grinder
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Skill Level: Beginner; no previous experience with metalworking or knife making is required for enrollment
If you are looking for other versions of this course, please see the following alternative class options:
Buddy Up version option
- You and a close friend will design and make one complete knife together as a team. At least one person must be 18 years of age or older to participate.
Date Night version option
- You and your special guest will design and make one complete knife together as a couple, and you will also receive a delicious pizza and a bottle of wine to share and enjoy during the workshop experience. At least one person must be 18 years of age or older to participate.
