Basic training for two young men interested in forging?

[kfgk14]

I know of two vigorous teens (age 15) who have expressed an interest in forging and making knives. I know little about the subject, so I was hoping there were some New Hampshire area bladesmiths who might be willing to show them the ropes. They want to eventually build their own forges and make blades.
Could anyone out there teach them? They want to just "figure it out" but I advised them there isn't much margin for error with multi-thousand degree forges and steel, so they asked me where to get instruction.
Thanks in advance

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

You can't get a much better start than this one:
http://www.americanbladesmiths.com/ipboard/index.php?/topic/26-new-england-hammer-in/

Also contact the New England Custom Knife Association (NECKA):
http://www.necka.net/

Don Fogg has tons of stuff on his site, and regularly does the hammer-ins around New England. I think he is with the New England Bladesmiths Guild:
http://www.dfoggknives.com/

 

[mete]

Mace in CT has been giving courses .

 

[12345678910]

I absolutely agree with first hand instruction, but it helps to learn so you know before you go.


http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...king-knife-need-advice!?p=9656042#post9656042

Checkout the book and video listings.

Lorelei Sims-The Backyard Blacksmith is a great general blacksmithing book

Jim Hrisoulas- has 3 books on forging knives specifically.


If you google
"Ed Caffrey - Basic Bladesmithing-Full DVD-ISO"
is a video on the subject

 

[kfgk14]

The American Bladesmiths Society forum lists a hammer-in on the 15-17th of July. I think I'll send the boys that way, with their parents of course.

 

[delbert ealy]

Some first hand training will help them enormously, with enough enthusiam and drive they can accomplish a lot. I started at 14 and never quit!!!
Most of us now underestimate teenagers, but in the past we would not be calling those young men kids, they would be adults.
Del

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Good plan.:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[JOESZ]

I hate to use this forum to advertise for myself, but being as you specifically asked... I offer hands-on classes in knifemaking, in my shop. Usually they are weekend classes the schedule is on my website. http://www.szilaski.com I will have the fall schedule up there soon.

Also, not too far from you, is the Brookfield Craft Center in Ct. They have weekend classes too, taught by me and other knifemakers.

I am sure the teenagers will enjoy the ABS Hammer-In. Maybe I will see you there.
Take care
- Joe

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Not really advertising, Joe, since all you did was answer a question. Glad you chimed in.