Knife Making Class or apprenticeship

[lordjackel]

Morning....does anyone know of any knife making classes or forges willing to do some apprenticeship type training?  I have always liked knives and see so many amazing creations that I would like to try my hand at it.  But before I invest in equipment I would like to get some first hand experience and try it once. A quick Google search didn't turn up anything in the general area. 

Thanks in advance.

[56FordGuy]

If you're around middle TN, the Fiddler's Grove blacksmith group has a several week long beginners forging class that's held at the Wilson county fairgrounds two nights a week. It's not knife specific, but learning the basics of forging will give you the tools you need to work your way into knife making.

[Spots]

I teach on occasion, traditional blacksmithing in a coal fired forge, reclaimed material to completed knife. It's to hot to teach right now, it'll be 115 in the shop with the forge running, but I can do a class this fall if you want. Feel free to PM me and you can see the shop and other work at www.flatwoodsforge.com

Sent from behind the anvil

[peejman]

Spots would be a great guy to learn from.  I'd like to too....

A friend took a class or two from these folks (I think) and is in the process of setting up his own forge. 

https://m.facebook.com/IronMountainMetalCraft/

 

This one looks good too.

http://www.3creeksfarm.com/classes-and-workshops/tennessee-blacksmithing-classes-and-workshops/

Edited August 27, 2016 by peejman

[VERO1]

If you just want a quick, down and dirty class, Smoky Mountain Knife works offers a build your own blade class.  More touristy than academic, but my son was proud of the knife he built. 

[tbenedict]

Spots would be a great guy to learn from.  I'd like to too....

A friend took a class or two from these folks (I think) and is in the process of setting up his own forge. 

https://m.facebook.com/IronMountainMetalCraft/

 

This one looks good too.

http://www.3creeksfarm.com/classes-and-workshops/tennessee-blacksmithing-classes-and-workshops/

It's actually in the building in their parking lot. Great guys there, I had a blast. They probably have contacts as well.

http://mohrcustomknives.com

[lordjackel]

10 hours ago, Spots said:

I teach on occasion, traditional blacksmithing in a coal fired forge, reclaimed material to completed knife. It's to hot to teach right now, it'll be 115 in the shop with the forge running, but I can do a class this fall if you want. Feel free to PM me and you can see the shop and other work at www.flatwoodsforge.com

Sent from behind the anvil
 

Thanks Spots!  I will send you a PM.

[lordjackel]

2 hours ago, tbenedict said:

It's actually in the building in their parking lot. Great guys there, I had a blast. They probably have contacts as well.

http://mohrcustomknives.com

Thanks Everyone!  I knew you guys would point me in the right direction.  Keep the locations and ideas coming...I plan to reach out to several to see what fits the bill best for me.   Thanks again.

[sybo]

What a great idea!! I can't waittoseewee this goes, I might like tossing a hammer!

[tbenedict]

It was quite fun taking a chunk of 5160 leaf spring to a great outdoor knife.

[tbenedict]

Thought I'd post a pic, wish I could take more credit. Olive drab micarta with pretty good grip and balance.

[KahrMan]

Nice knife. I like that blade profile. 

[hipower]

1 hour ago, tbenedict said:

Thought I'd post a pic, wish I could take more credit. Olive drab micarta with pretty good grip and balance.

If you did this...take credit. looks good to me.

[Grand Torino]

Great lookin' blade....nice work

[tbenedict]

I did at least part of the pounding/heating/normalizing/heat treating (with a lot of guidance). The guy's did all the grinding/tempering/handle work. Great experience, now I want to try more....

[Omega]

I like that knife, looks like a decent skinner.  I am more into the skinner type knives, I would like to take a stab (no pun intended) at trying to make one like that.