Knife-making classes

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bander1023

Joined
May 9, 2015
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I'll start this off with the usual "please don't hurt me if this is posted in the wrong area" plea - I can't seem to find much information about this anywhere else...

I'm looking for knife-making classes (preferably in my local area), but I'm really coming up dry. Is there a thread somewhere that lists local/regional classes that are being offered, or am I SOL?

I'm in the Phoenix, AZ area, and I've been bitten by the knife bug. I've converted my garage into a shop, and I have a lower-end grinder, drill press, etc - and a bunch of not-so-awesome knife attempts.

Any direction would be so so so appreciated!
 
Phoenix is big, surely there are a few knife makers in the area that would share some wisdom. Most of my learning came from blade forums and YouTube and countless hours of trial and error. I'm no professional but I can make a decent sharp piece of steel.
 
viral said:
Phoenix is big, surely there are a few knife makers in the area that would share some wisdom. Most of my learning came from blade forums and YouTube and countless hours of trial and error. I'm no professional but I can make a decent sharp piece of steel.
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Viral, you'd think, wouldn't you? I haven't found anything local in months of searching, formal classes or otherwise. I've been doing the same thing you have done - lots of YouTube and web articles, but I'm trying to shorten the learning curve to some degree.

I do have some time off and the ability to attend classes out of state, but maybe, an apprenticeship locally might be the way to go?
 
bander1023 said:
Viral, you'd think, wouldn't you? I haven't found anything local in months of searching, formal classes or otherwise. I've been doing the same thing you have done - lots of YouTube and web articles, but I'm trying to shorten the learning curve to some degree.

I do have some time off and the ability to attend classes out of state, but maybe, an apprenticeship locally might be the way to go?
Click to expand...

I did find a local maker that's about an hour from me, and once a month or so he invites me out to piddle around and we talk knives. I've learned a lot from him. Most local makers will give you the opportunity to learn something from them. But on the flip side, there's a knife maker that lives right down the road from me but he's codgery and doesn't give me the time of day. Id try and look up a few though and go from there.
 
Look up Tai Goo

He teaches classes and is in AZ
 
AVigil said:
Look up Tai Goo

He teaches classes and is in AZ
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I can't tell you guys how much I appreciate the suggestions. I've reached out to both Tai Goo and Johnny Stout to see if I can get into their classes, so wish me luck. :)

Viral, contacting local knifemakers has been hit or miss for me - more miss than hit. I'm hoping to eventually hit on someone that wouldn't mind showing me a few things. I actually had a conversation with a local guy who said "Why would I show you anything? I'm just creating competition for myself if I do that." I was a bit taken aback, but I can't really blame him if he's concerned about that kind of thing. :)
 
bander1023 said:
I'll start this off with the usual "please don't hurt me if this is posted in the wrong area" plea - I can't seem to find much information about this anywhere else...

I'm looking for knife-making classes (preferably in my local area), but I'm really coming up dry. Is there a thread somewhere that lists local/regional classes that are being offered, or am I SOL?

I'm in the Phoenix, AZ area, and I've been bitten by the knife bug. I've converted my garage into a shop, and I have a lower-end grinder, drill press, etc - and a bunch of not-so-awesome knife attempts.

Any direction would be so so so appreciated!
Click to expand...

Google knife maker Associates in your area, Many have monthly meetings with a demo or two from the host of that months meeting. That's one of the ways I started to learned knife making some 20 years ago. I also suggest you buy a few books. My first and still favorite thats written in plain English is.

Custom Knifemaking by Tim McCreight. The man is a master metal worker from Jewelry to knives, he had written a book on it!:thumbup:

Back then the internet was in its infancy and there wasn't any of these Utubes how to's. I reread the book every few years. Loveless's books are a great way to start as well.
 
bander1023 said:
I checked with Tai - he said his ukulele skills may need some work, so we're going to stick to knives for the duration.

:numbness:
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Say hello for me. Tai is a really free spirit and very talented. You can't be Tai, but take what you learn and use it to make your style. To get ready to go see him, listen to some of Iz Ka's music.
Here is a video link that will help:
http://www.last.fm/music/Israel+"IZ"+Kamakawiwo‘ole/_/Over+The+Rainbow/What+A+Wonderful+World
 
IIRC, Tim Hancock lives in the valley and used to offer one on one instruction. Could be wrong, I'm remembering from several years back.
 
I believe Travis Wuertz is based out of AZ. If I'm not mistaken, he has a grind in from time to time?
 
Knives 2014 lists 42 knifemakers in Az, with address and contact info. A very handy book.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Say hello for me. Tai is a really free spirit and very talented. You can't be Tai, but take what you learn and use it to make your style. To get ready to go see him, listen to some of Iz Ka's music.
Here is a video link that will help:
http://www.last.fm/music/Israel+"IZ"+Kamakawiwo‘ole/_/Over+The+Rainbow/What+A+Wonderful+World
Click to expand...

Stacy, thank you so much for the link. I've scheduled 3 days with Tai at the end of this month, and I'm ridiculously excited about it. I'll let you know how it goes!
 
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