Bladesmiths/Knifemakers in Western NC?

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

rodkraft

Joined
Dec 18, 2006
Messages
8
I am new at knifemaking and would like to meet other knifemakers in Western North Carolina. Maybe I can learn a few things from people who have been doing this for awhile. I want to start grinding blades and forging but don't really know where to start. Maybe some good books or videos on the subjects. Anyway, thanks, in advance......Rod
 
NC HAS a west???



:)

Grr cant remember his name but there is a knifemaker that lives in the mountains of NC and is tops!!!
 
Lots of makers in the western NC mountains. Need more definite location.
Quite a few in the Asheville area for example. If you're more to the south around Franklin or Murphy, there's a bunch more.
Knifemakers are like fleas on a hounds back just scratch around a bit and you'll find them in every nook and cranny.
You are also welcome to join us at Trackrock this spring for the Spring hammer-in sometime in mid to late March (TBA). Get a lot of exposure to bladesmithing in a short amount of time. Keep your eyes open for the announcement. If not here, check WWW.Georgiaknifemakersguild.com on a regular basis for a posting there. You can also email me from there to get on the notification list.
Welcome to the game.

Carl Rechsteiner
 
Like Carl said, it kinda depends on your location. Around the Asheville area there are several makers that I know of within a 20 mile radius. Some of us forge and some of us are stock removal. All are really good fellas. Blacksmith Depot is also in Candler if you need any type of forge supplies.
Rick Lowe
 
I am within 25 miles of being as far as you can go in western N.C., Hayesville Where are you???????????? Be glad to help or you can visit. I am in the shop 6day a week, most weeks. Mike Wilson
 
Rod,
I have to agree with Dave about this Mike Wilson character. He's one heck of a nice guy (makes right purty knives, too). Got an interesting shop set up you don't want to miss seeing if you get the chance.
'Ol brother Rick ain't all that bad either.
Basically, you're not going to meet to many knife makers up there that aren't worth knowing. Even if you have to drive a bit, you'll not likely regret the time spent with any of them. That's pretty much the way it is anywhere in the knifemaker's world. So don't let shyness get in your way.
Just remember to respect time and equipment. None of us just stepped off a bus and started making topgrade knives, there's a lot of learning, time and sweat invested.
Carl Rx
 
I am near Asheville; north along the French Broad River about 4 miles south of Marshall, NC. Someone else told me about a group of guys in Candler that get together and they also sell supplies, like tongs, hammers, etc. I am thinking of starting with stock removal using a mill bastard file to make a small Nordic blade. I bought a grizzly belt grinder for use with wood to work on handles, but haven't thought too much about a belt grinder for stock removal. I am planning on taking a semester course at A-B Tech to learn basics of blacksmithing. Is anyone out there interested in having an apprentice to learn bladesmithing? I would be willing to spend the time and assist someone in doing knifework. Thanks for the information and I'll not be shy about asking for some help......Rod
 
Rod,

You're close to a bunch of quality knife makers. As Carl said, don't be afraid to make contact and then do a little driving. I don't know if there are any that could take on an apprentice, but I'd bet all of us would be glad to share some time when ever possible. Shoot me an email at: ruger315@bellsouth.net and I'll help with some names and numbers.

By the way, keep watch on the forum for news of the next Track Rock Hammer In. It's a place to meet many of the guys that are in your area. Most of it is geared to forged blades, but you'll meet some really fine blade makers and super good people.

Rick
 
Hi Rod,
I am in haywood county. About 20 mins. west of Asheville. Give me a shout, and visit my shop anytime.

Also, I will be doing the demo at Kayne's on the 10th of January. Hope all the knifemakers from the area will be there.
Bill
 
Rod,

Bill Wiggins is a heck'uva guy and a top notch smith. I've had the chance to be in his shop a couple of times and he helped me a ton with forge work. If you have the chance, take him up on the invite.

Bill,

See you at Kayne's on the 10th!!

Rick
 
Rod - word of caution......if you see Rick and Bill together........run the other way as fast as you can!!
Just kidding they're both top notch fellas in my book. What they don't know between them......they can make up and convince you it's right.
Don't miss the chance, it'll be fun.

Dave - all you got to do is build a fire, roast a pig, and yell anvil three times real loud. You'll be surprized who will show up. Mountains aren't so bad, just make sure you work up hill of the house, makes it easier to get back when the dinner bell rings!
 
Dave,

Gotta agree with brother Carl, get some meat in the ground and we'll bring the cold beverages. Won't take us long to get there 'cause it's all down hill.
 
I am stationed at Fort Bragg.... (Fayetteville), NC...... I always welcome people in my shop.....bring beer............Hooah.......
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top