Interested in becoming a bladesmith

H

Haydenluedde

Joined
Apr 21, 2023
Messages
4
Hi all my name is Hayden Luedde I am 19 years old and am looking to get get into bladesmithing I honestly don’t know where to start but I’m willing to work I am in located in north county San Diego and I want to learn so if there are any forges that are in need of some one to sweep up or do anything so that I could eventually learn to become a bladesmith that would be amazing.
 
Done

(Ignore those with ill manners and welcome to bladeforums.)
 
Hey Hayden,

Apprenticeship is really a thing of the past, luckily most bladesmiths are quite willing to help a new guy out and grind a few knives with them.

Just do a search for custom knife makers, go to gun and knife shows and chat some folks up.

(Edited for spelling)
 
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Haydenluedde said:
Hi all my name is Hayden Luedde I am 19 years old and am looking to get get into bladesmithing I honestly don’t know where to start but I’m willing to work I am in located in north county San Diego and I want to learn so if there are any forges that are in need of some one to sweep up or do anything so that I could eventually learn to become a bladesmith that would be amazing.
Click to expand...

I don't do forging, only stock removal. I live north of Los Angels, but I travel to San Diego frequently. I'm willing to answer questions and share what I've learned...

Feel free to email me at cdhumiston@twc.com
 
I had fun forging a knife at a local forge where they do classes, and it looks like there is a similar place near you called "Maketory," it will cost you for lessons but worth checking out?
 
I admire your initiative!
You might also benefit from widening your net to blacksmithing generally. Most regions have blacksmith organizations with meet ups and such. Check the local colleges and stuff, too.
I'm pretty sure there are plenty of knife makers nearish to you and hope you find what you're looking for👍
 
Welcome Hayden,
Start by filling out your profile so we know where you live and something about you. There might be a maker in your town who would offer a visit and some help.

There are all sorts of opportunities for learning. Finding a maker near you and having a visit is a good start. There are colleges that hold classes, blacksmith guilds that have classes, and knife societies that are a great meeting place for folks. Also, there is the Moran schoolof bladesmithing and some others.
 
Hey Hayden, welcome to BFs. This is a great community where people are more than willing to share tips tricks and helpful information. In addition to BFs there are lots of people on YouTube that do some awesome tutorials and how to's. Knife making in general is one of the few crafts I found where very experienced makers are more than willing to share advice and feedback without any type of "gatekeeping". It's a difficult craft to learn but very rewarding and the community is great. Adapt a "learn it all" mentality and you'll do great.
 
Hi Hayden, welcome. If you really want to forge knives, I'd suggest joining and becoming an active member of the CBA - California Blacksmith Association (google search) and try to attend their spring conference and/or hammer-ins That's the easiest place where you'll find most smiths who are interested in hanging out with others and who are local.
 
Have a look for local blacksmithing groups, you can probably swap some striking work for time on their forge for having a go at knives.
Plus the basic upsetting, drawing out, ect is the same regardless of what you're forging.
 
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