Bladesmith Course Recommendations Please

M

MilliePop

Joined
Aug 21, 2008
Messages
83
I've tried but could not find if there are any courses that caters specifically to bladesmithing. Can you guys recommend some courses/classes that I can take that will help me on my journey to become a bladesmith? Such as metallurgy.

I not only want to know the how, what, when, where in knife-making but most importantly the WHY we do it. Not just the method but the philosophy behind it. I want to totally understand from the beginning.

For example...mathematics...instead of just following a set of formulas...I want to know how that formula came about and the thought behind it. So if one day I come across a problem that there is no formula, I can find a way to figure it out with just my understanding.

I always feel that if you are correct, confident and know your stuff that there will never arise a question that you won't be able to answer...pertaining to that particular subject of course.

Just like a well-spoken politician that knows his stuff can never be stumped with a question on cause he is passionate about.

The reason I ask is because I don't want to follow a set step of instructions in doing something, not knowing why I'm doing that particular step. I want to be able to understand fully WHY so I can maybe innovate or just appreciate it more, instead of blindly following traditions the way some of us do in our cultural lives today not knowing why we do something, possibly defeating the purpose of doing it in the first place.

Any and all input is welcomed and greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

-Jimmy Yang
 
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There're a few excellent smiths and organizations that offer instruction. Why not pick one that seems to fit your style. Chances are they can help you get a good start, then you do the book work and apply it where you're confident it's helping.

From what I know, better a good bladesmith than a well-spoken politician:), Craig
 
I agree with Jim (BoatBuilder) if you want one on one and to get every question you can think of answered Ed Caffery is an excellent choice. I spent time with Ed last year and the time I spent and what I learned was out standing. The ABS School is also a great choice but not as personal as a one on one.

Jim
 
Edit- sorry for the confusing post that I orignially put here regarding my computer glitch, I now believe it was a just that, an odd glitch on my computer and not anything linked to this thread or this forum. Sorry about that :o.
 
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I am 99% sure the other poster meant Minneapolis & St. Paul as the Twin cities. People outside the twin cities but within Minnesota typically refer to them as the Cities.
 
Jimmy

I personally would recommend the ABS school in AK, but I understand wanting to start closer to home. You might give these guys a call and see if they have any knife makers amongst their ranks.

Guild of Metalsmiths
P.O.Box 11423
Saint Paul, MN 55111
Website: www.metalsmith.org

The Guild of Metalsmiths in Minnesota has a regular offering of blacksmithing classes. In the fall of each year there is a program of approximately 15 different classes offered including beginning blacksmithing. A complete listing of class offerings is listed on the Guild's Website.

Jim Arbuckle
 
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