Introduction
Bladesmithing courses are certainly worth taking to learn the art of bladesmithing. By taking a course, you will learn the practical skills needed to start knife making. Starting with learning the skills in forging, grinding, and heat-treating. Some courses will teach you a bit of the history of bladesmithing as well as the practical side of knife making.
You will learn all the needed safety practices, as well as what to wear to protect yourself from injury. This structured learning method makes these courses perfect for anyone looking to master this art. The courses are offered by experienced instructors who offer hands-on experience and will give you an understanding of how to make a knife in this crafty fashion. A course will give you structured learning from experienced smiths, combining traditional methods with modern techniques.
As a student you will learn practical skills in forging, grinding, and heat-treating, creating your knife. These courses are a combination of education and practice making bladesmithing courses a fantastic investment for anyone interested in mastering this timeless art.
How Difficult Is Bladesmithing To Learn?
Bladesmithing can be tricky to learn at first. It takes time and practice. Many people who start as hobbyists end up loving it and doing it more often. Bladesmithing is the time-honoured art of forging and shaping metal to make knives, swords, and other types of blades.
This is a skill that you will want to master. Taking a course is the best way to learn. Expert bladesmiths are there to share their knowledge and teach you the skills you need to make a knife of your own.
What Can I Expect As A Beginner?
As a beginner, you can expect to:
- Online videos and books are helpful to start off.
- Learn more by taking a course.
- Use basic blade designs and move to harder ones as you get better.
- Join bladesmithing groups and platforms
- Keep leducationg yourself and trying new techniques.
How To Get Started in Bladesmithing
Get started by learning the basics of bladesmithing when you take a course. If you are waiting for a place, you can start looking at all the information available to you in the meantime. You can do this by reading books, watching online tutorials, or following bladesmiths online.
Check this out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tsHLEKS0QI
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7ZuGnPfVT1qX_8QVPrrVLmBWSvgh5Mlg
https://www.facebook.com/groups/232926720717668/
https://www.facebook.com/KnifeMakingCourses/
Who Offers Courses In Bladesmithing?
Several institutions and independent smiths offer bladesmithing courses. These will give you hands-on training and comprehensive learning experiences. These courses range from introductory lessons to advanced techniques, allowing students to master the art of forging blades. Let us look at some bladesmiths offering courses.
Rucus Coetzee
- Comprehensive knife making course weekend in the Southern Cape.
- All-inclusive, including accommodation and catering.
- Price: R7900 (2023).
Jack Connan
- One-on-one teaching ranges from basics to advanced work, depending on the student.
Jaco De Kock
- Specialises in fixed blade and liner lock courses.
Tiaan Groenewald
- Introduction to Bladesmithing (one-day course).
- Introduction to making pattern-welded steel (Damascus).
- Hands-on pattern-welded steel (Damascus) course.
- Fixed-blade knife-making course.
- Preparation for the guild member application one-on-one course.
Heavin Forge (Kevin And Heather Harvey)
- Learn the basics of bladesmithing.
- ABS two-week Introduction to Bladesmithing, comprehensive introduction course.
- Focus on making and fitting handles, fittings, and sheaths.
- Full House combination (basic bladesmithing and Damascus combined).
- LearnDamascus Steel Making.
- Additional advanced courses are available upon request.
Herbst Knife-Making Academy (Gawie And Thinus Herbst)
- Fixed-blade knife making course.
- Basic folder knife making course (slip-back).
- Liner-lock folder knife making course.
Bertie Rietveld
- Personalised courses for a one on one experience.
- Prepping Guild courses.
Hennie Van Brakel
Fixed blade knife making courses, covering:
- Marking out and drilling the blank.
- How to hollow grinding the blade.
- Steps in heat treating, polishing, making and fitting bolsters.
- How to make a handle fitting and finishing.
- Making eather sheath making and blade etching.
Black Dragon Forge (Neels Van Den Berg)
- Initial one-day class on hand forging a basic knife.
- forging, grinding, heat-treating, blade finishing, and sharpening.
- Open to all skill levels.
Johann Van Deventer
- One-on-one courses with limited availability.
Fire Goby Forge (Jean Wilke)
- Course to make a Harry Wolhuter Lion killer knife from 5160 carbon steel.
- Two formats: two-day full-time course or four to five sessions, Friday evening course.
What Is Needed For Bladesmithing?
Start with the following tools and materials:
- Forge
- Anvil
- Bladesmithing tools (hammers, tongs, chisels, grinders)
Wearing Protective Clothing
- Eye and face protection (safety glasses or goggles)
- Respiratory protection (respirator mask)
- Heat protection (heat-resistant gloves, apron)
- Safety Clothing (Long-Sleeved, Heavy-Duty Clothing)
Heating Of The Metal
- Clean your forge and add fuel.
- Place the metal into the hot coals with tongs.
- Wait until the metal reaches the desired temperature.
Forming The Blade
- Use a hammer to forge the metal into the blade shape you want.
- Use a smaller hammer or chisel to refine the shape.
Heat Treat The Blade
- Anneal the blade by heating it and allowing it to cool gradually.
- Normalise the blade by heating it then allowing it to cool in still air.
- Harden the blade by heating then make sure you quence it.
Tempering The Blade
- Heat the blade to the correct temperature then let it cool slowly.
Finishing The Blade
- Smooth and polished surface by using abrasive materials.
- To further refine the blade’s finish with a polishing compound.
Add A Handle To The Blade.
- Choose a handle material (wood, bone, antler, synthetic materials).
- Shape the handle material to fit the knife tang.
- Attach the handle material using epoxy, pins, or both.
- Sand and finish the handle.
Do Bladesmiths Only Make Knives?
Bladesmithing involves creating knives, swords, daggers, and other blades. This is done following the process of using a forge, hammer, anvil, and other smithing tools. Bladesmiths also often dip in the woodwork to make the handles and leather work for sheaths.
What Are The Requirements For Advanced Bladesmiths?
To become an advanced bladesmith or a master bladesmith you will need to:
- Have many years of experience and practice.
- Mastering techniques like forge welding.
- Have a good grasp of the design, ergonomics, and functionality.
- Have a presence online and mix with other bladesmiths.
- Looking into getting yourself certified through organisations like the American Bladesmith Society (ABS).
Bladesmithing is a rewarding process to learn how to combine art and skill when you make a knife. Whether you are a beginner or aiming to looking to become a master, there is always something new to learn and make. With passion, dedication, and continuous learning, you can become proficient in this ancient and respected art form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the greatest living bladesmith?
Yoshindo Yoshihara is considered the foremost present-day swordsmith in terms of both popularity and skill—a true genius.
What does ABS stand for in bladesmithing?
The American Bladesmith Society (ABS) is a non-profit organisation that promotes the techniques of forging steel blades.
What is the sharpest knife in the world?
Obsidian knife blades are over ten times sharper than razor blades, with edges only three nanometres wide.
What knife does John Wick use?
John Wick uses several knives, including the famous Microtech Ultratech Balisong knife, known for its sharp blade and durable construction.
What Is the Sharpest Weapon on Earth?
Two of the sharpest weapons ever made are the Damascus Sword and the Shamshir, known for their exceptional sharpness and cutting abilities.
Author: Janice van der Westhuizen