April 2010 Folder Class at Old Washington

[jpknives]

Hey guys,
I've been asked to do a folder class next April. I know that's a long ways off, but I thought it might be fun to get some input as to what the project might be. For anyone who might be looking forward to making folders, this is your chance to help me decide what we are going to spend the week working on. Given our facilities, slipjoints are the most practical. We can build lockbacks, but the way I build them, we would have to grind lock notches and lockbars on the school's little surface grinder. Not a big deal, but harder to reproduce if you don't have a surface grinder at home.
My first class was a 2-blade trapper, pretty standard stuff. After seeing how much trouble some folks had grinding what I thought were big folder blades, the next class project was a big folding hunter with a more manageable blade size.
That said, I'm open to suggestions. Any 1 or 2-blade jack will be fairly simple. When we start putting blades on opposite ends it gets more interesting. ;-)
When we come up with a pattern, I will build a handle template, then make duplicates depending on the number of students.
JP

 

[Rusty McDonald]

Thanks for the info Mr Perry,
For those that didn't know John Perry Is a master smith from Mayflower AR. Any one would be lucky to learn from him, If you have seen some of his art folders you would know.

 

[GISSpecialist]

I live in NE OK would be interested in such a class, but I may not be far enough along in my skills. What are the prerequisites? Thus far, I've only made one stock removal fixed blade and assembled kits, both fixed and liner lock folders.

Thanks,

Rick DuBois

 

[MSCantrell]

John,
A double-ended jack would be a heck of a good time.

What's the cost of the class, do you know yet? And how many days? I just moved to AR three weeks ago and I might just maybe be able to make it down there in April.

Mike

 

[jpknives]

I'm not sure what the cost will be. This year's 1-week classes were $700. What I have done in the past is to start the week making parts for 2 knives in the hope that everyone could successfully finish a folder that works by the end of the week even if you experience a crash. Grinding small blades and parts is a matter of perspective. My classes have included both novices and experienced knifemakers. We will work as late as we have to every day to get-r-done. There have been some LONG days.
If we do a smaller pattern and you've only ground beefy hunters or Bowies, you will probably be a bit intimidated. The material goes away fast when your blade is 2" long and 3/8" wide. I would encourage you to try a smaller blade to get the feel for it.
I tend to run in circles, attending to questions and checking everybody's progress throughout the day. I want you to get your money's worth. It will be a lot of fun.
JP