Best knifemaking course in CA or OR for beginner enthusiast

[Humco]

Hi! I'm looking to get my husband a great christmas giftt. We have had a rough year and I know he would be thrilled to take a knifemaking course. I've found $300 courses at Trackers and $2000 courses at Carter. Has anyone taken a course and recommend it? I'm totally lost but don't want to ask my husband and lose the element of surprise. Thanks so much for the help!

 

[rybobales]

Oaks Bottom Forge is here in PDX - the classes are pretty affordable. I've not taken the classes but a knife building class or bladesmithing class would be a great start. I have seen their knives locally and drive by their shop regularly. Seems to be busy most of the time.

http://www.oaksbottomforge.com/collections/knife-building
http://www.oaksbottomforge.com/collections/continued-blacksmithing

 

[HSC ///]

you can read my writeup on the Carter course here - http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1348891-Carter-Cutlery-intensive-course

what do you think he wants to get out of it and how much time and effort would he put in after? and then there's equipment and tools and materials
what city are you in?

 

[AVigil]

Are you open to him going to Arizona?

If he wants to learn how to make knives he can learn from a very well know and talented master named "Tai Goo" http://www.taigoo.com/lessons.html

He will learn great basics and be entertained as well.

He is really affordable for all that you learn.

 

[Bob Ohlemann]

Though I've not taken a class with him, I consider David Lisch a friend and a great teacher. I think he would be a better fit for a total beginner than some of the others mentioned. In fact, he even runs corporate team building classes for groups that would never consider knifemaking as a hobby. He is an amazingly talented and creative maker with a great sense of humor. I believe he also provides lodging.

http://davidlisch.com/index.html

Bob

 

[billf]

I enthusiastically second Bob's recommendation for Dave Lisch!

I HAVE taken a class with Dave, and he is a great teacher - from beginners to advanced. He is outside of Seattle, and he has a brand new set-up - just not sure if he has started up teaching again yet. For sure, get in touch with him

Bill Flynn

 

[Humco]

Thanks so much for the responses. My husband is a beginner but is a natural maker of things' if that makes any sense. He watches knife youtubes and reads about knives all day. I'm going to check out all of your suggestions and so appreciate your time.

 

[oldwolf]

Thanks so much for the responses. My husband is a beginner but is a natural maker of things' if that makes any sense. He watches knife youtubes and reads about knives all day. I'm going to check out all of your suggestions and so appreciate your time.

Another vote for Tai. I took a class from him. Nice guy.
Of course you could come to N, Cal to our place. I teach a basic class one on one.
Ken

 

[Jonathans]

Here's another vote for Dave Lisch. I've taken a bunch of classes from him and other MS's he is associated with and have been very pleased with what I came away with. He'll take you as far as you are willing to go.