High School Smiths

[Phil Dwyer]

Hi Friends,

There's a saying that, one sure way to learn something is to teach it. Well, I'm giving it a shot. Here are some of my 10th graders with their final blacksmithing project before the school year ended. Need-less-to-say, nearly each and every one of them hit a wall (burning blades too thin at the tips (or some such)) on their way to completing their rail road spike knives. But, as you can see here, they hit the finish line with plenty of vim and vigor...and steel to spare.

Enjoy, they did, as did I!

Mahalo, Phil

 

[rashid11]

Phil - thank you very much for getting the kids introduced to the craft

 

[indian george]

Coooool!!! I enjoy teaching students too. Well some of them. HEHEHEHEHEHE!!!!

 

[Deweyknives]

That's great Phil. I wish I had more insight into smithing at that age. Maybe I'd know something now!!

[leaving this wide open for IG's remarks ]

 

[indian george]

That's great Phil. I wish I had more insight into smithing at that age. Maybe I'd know something now!!

[leaving this wide open for IG's remarks ]

You would need to have started at birth or earlier. HEHEHEHEHE!!!

 

[Tai Goo]

That's fantastic Phil!

 

[Allen Newberry]

That is very cool. And, I would bet that you you learned quite a bit.

Allen

 

[Dakota 11]

how did u manage to pull this of in the sue happy, every1 scared to death of kids with knifes world? I think its great what u did , is just sad in the area im at that kids are pueshed way to hard on the basics math, writing , reading and nothing else most things like metal shop or wood shop area gone for most.

 

[Russ Andrews]

Phyl,
The looks on the kids' faces speak volumes.
I hope you get to introduce alot more young people
to creating with their hands...
Congratulations....to you and them...

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

That is WAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY cool, Phil!!
Good job, friend.

 

[Allen Newberry]

"how did u manage to pull this of in the sue happy, every1 scared to death of kids with knifes world? I think its great what u did , is just sad in the area im at that kids are pueshed way to hard on the basics math, writing , reading and nothing else most things like metal shop or wood shop area gone for most."

A teacher asked me to talk about knifemaking with a group of middle school students last year. But, when they asked the wrong question of someone higher up I got canceled.

Allen

 

[Dan Pierson]

Hey Phil,

Great pictures! It really adds to your description of the class. Also very happy to see several girls in the mix

 

[tmickley]

nice Phil. You gave them something that they will think about for years, maybe decades. I still appreciate my shop high school teacher and what I learned there.

 

[Raymond Richard]

Phyl, Thats a great accomplishment! Are these the students that survived the class? They should remember this experience for years to come......

 

[sharpeknives]

That is awesome. I too am curious as to how you got past the no knife in school thing. This is the kind of thing that could spread.

 

[Phil Dwyer]

Thanks Guys!

They were a great bunch of kids. This is one of three groups. Two of the groups worked in rotating 45 minute sessions twice a week. One group worked 2 sessions back to back once a week (they were also a smaller group and got more done in less weeks.)

They all had to successfully make at least one hook first before they could start on the rr spike knife. They were all assigned the grade of an A at the commencement of the course. In order to keep the A they had to fully perform in three areas: full participation (show up and work); full compliance (safety and rules); full commitment (to do one's best). Quality of workmanship was not graded per se.

The school is a Waldorf school. It is committed to educating the whole student (not just academics). They study languages, painting, modeling, dance, music, mechanics, woodworking, metal smithing, (soon I'll be doing stone carving with them), gardening, sports, acting, etc, as well as a rich academic array of subjects.

The question of, "making knives in school...how?" still may be a challenge for us. For instance, the senor fine arts teacher semi-challenged me on it. I'm hoping the fundamental value to freedom the school holds dear, and the magic of the students' transformations and accomplishments will rule the day. We shall see. Then again, I often tell folks, tongue in cheek, they're letter openers.

The classes I offer are not considered industrial arts, but applied arts. They aren't full blown courses of instruction, but rather opportunities of exposure and growth. It is really something to see a group of young adults (that don't even know how to wield a hammer, screw driver or pliers) start out scared of everything in the smithy and shop, then progress to confident forge tending, steel pounding, power equipment using folk.

Earth, air, fire and water...alchemy and artisanship, not just of the steel, but of our very selves!

Life's a trip! -Phil

 

[Aldo Bruno]

Phyl,

That is cool. I'm looking forward to next weekend.

Aldo

 

[David Wesner]

Phil, thats awesome !! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

No doubt about it, they will carry that memory with them for the rest of their lives.

FWIW, not all schools have the zero tolerance rule when it comes to knives. My daughters school for instance, allows for carry of a knife with blade of 2" or less. It is clearly and specifically spelled out in the rule book. I made a neat little package for my baby to carry in her purse, a small D2 knife and flashlight that fits in a kydex sheath. She's the "goto" girl when something in class needs to be cut or sharpened I also made one for my daughters girlfriend . And now?....... I have requests for little cutters from about 5 other "friends" of hers

Interestingly enough, I'm happy (and proud) to say, there hasn't been a single problem related to knives in her school. Good for them :thumbup: :thumbup: