Does anyone know of an introductory level knifemaking class available in Mid-Michigan? Or are there any master makers who take apprentices? I'd love to learn how to make knives. I know it's a skill that takes a lifetime to master. How does one get started? Thanks for any suggestions.
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I want to learn how to forge knives
- Thread starter jayebe
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Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Someone will post it soon,but you need to find the Michigan area knife makers guild/club.Also,check out the American Bladesmith Society,they hold hammer-ins that teach knife making.Get several books and read them (a search on this forum will give you several lists of books).Find a smith in your area (post your city and state so they know where you are),many will gladly share their knowledge.If you seriously want to learn,attend the ABS school in Old Washington ,Arkansas.You can learn a years worth in a week or two.Hammer-ins are great meeting and learning events,attend any you can drive to reasonably.
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2005
- Messages
- 1,179
-Google for local knife making lessons
-Smithing/blade making classes will sometimes be available as private lessons for LOTS of $$$
-Apprenticing is exremely rare at this point- but many have found a local knife maker, done their best to respectful and attentive, and have learned a deal from them.
-Check this map for local knifemakers: http://groups.msn.com/TidewaterForge/mapofthesmiths.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=21
As for getting started, here are some of the links that I've read for getting started. Read each and every link twice, and you'll learn quite a bit. The makers here will be happy to answer anything that isn't allready answered
-http://gbrannon.bizhat.com/#forged
-http://www.aescustomknives.com.ar/docs/tutorials.htm
-http://swordforum.com/metallurgy/ites.html (Easy Metallurgy Explanation- reccomended read)
-The Reil Burner(If you go the propane route): http://www.frontiernet.net/~gnreil/
Do you plan on stock removal or forging?
-Smithing/blade making classes will sometimes be available as private lessons for LOTS of $$$
-Apprenticing is exremely rare at this point- but many have found a local knife maker, done their best to respectful and attentive, and have learned a deal from them.
-Check this map for local knifemakers: http://groups.msn.com/TidewaterForge/mapofthesmiths.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=21
As for getting started, here are some of the links that I've read for getting started. Read each and every link twice, and you'll learn quite a bit. The makers here will be happy to answer anything that isn't allready answered
-http://gbrannon.bizhat.com/#forged
-http://www.aescustomknives.com.ar/docs/tutorials.htm
-http://swordforum.com/metallurgy/ites.html (Easy Metallurgy Explanation- reccomended read)
-The Reil Burner(If you go the propane route): http://www.frontiernet.net/~gnreil/
Do you plan on stock removal or forging?
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2003
- Messages
- 2,092
Welcome to Bladesmithing!
There are many makers in Michigan. One of the biggest influences in knife making is W.W Scagel he lived in Fruitport(I think) and made knives from about 1900-1963...(aprox). He was the reason Bo Randal started making knives. Lots of history up that way and some great makers....Laura Sue Bethke...Dr. Jim Lucie....Doug Noren....Mike Bauer...Just to name a few.
Good luck...and let us know how you make out.
Mace
There are many makers in Michigan. One of the biggest influences in knife making is W.W Scagel he lived in Fruitport(I think) and made knives from about 1900-1963...(aprox). He was the reason Bo Randal started making knives. Lots of history up that way and some great makers....Laura Sue Bethke...Dr. Jim Lucie....Doug Noren....Mike Bauer...Just to name a few.Good luck...and let us know how you make out.
Mace
