Knife Making and Blacksmithing Classes are Heating Up!

• August 17, 2019
• ArkCraftSchool
• Site Updates
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Workshop Categories:

• Clay
• Fiber
• Glass
• Jewelry
• Metal
• Photography
• Recreation
• Studio Arts
• Wood
• Young Artists

Upcoming Events

Introduction to Knife Making

Instructor: James Crowell
Dates: September 20th – 22nd

This popular 3-day class is held in the artist’s own private workspace near Timbo, AR located about 15 miles west of Mountain View’s town square in rural Stone County.

Introduction to Knifemaking covers the basics of making a stock removal knife: Cutting out a full tang blade from bar stock, rough grinding, basic heat treating and basic handle construction. Each student will be provided with all the necessary materials to make one such knife. The shop has all the tools and equipment needed to complete the task. Design, materials, tools and equipment will be discussed.

Forging Damascus Knives

Instructor: Shawn Ellis
Dates: September 13th – 15th

In this 3 day course with Forged in Fire Champion, Shawn Ellis, students will learn to work with Damascus steel in constructing knives. Students will learn safety information, basic forging Damascus skills up to making mosaic Damascus, billet, and assembly.

Students will leave this workshop with a small billet of Damascus, enough to make a Damascus knife. If there is extra time, the instructor will assist students in forging a blade, but not finish it out. This class will offer students a wealth of knife knowledge, potentially shaving years off of their learning curve for those who want to continue working in this ancient craft.

Introduction to Blacksmithing

Instructor: Pat Thompson
Dates: October 3rd – 5th

In this three day introductory course, students will learn the basics of beginning a blacksmithing practice in a low-pressure, exploratory environment at the artist’s studio. This course is perfect for those who are curious about blacksmithing and want to find out if this craft is the one for you!

Students will start with making home-made nails just like apprentices did in previous centuries. From there they will be moving on more sophisticated pieces, students can talk to the instructor about specific items that they want to make.