Knife Making Classes

D

duderubble

Joined
Jun 11, 2015
Messages
256
Anyone have experience with one of these? There's a guy in my neck of the woods (who I saw on Forged in Fire, BTW) who does several two day classes a year. He's got one coming up for folders that I thought would be a great Father's day present. Cost is $300 I think.

I have zero experience. Thoughts anyone? Is this a cheap or expensive way to get a taste of knifemaking?
 
There are two things I've never really regretted. Agreeing to give a class on some area of knowledge, or taking one. The main issue for me is do i think the teacher is qualified.

The rate seems in range to me and you should consider that besides a good time and knowledge, he will probably leave the class with a new knife he made himself.

I wish my kids would get me this. :-)
 
Oh, I was thinking of suggesting it as a gift for me, LOL. I'd actually love for my 16 year old son and I to do it together but that would cost twice as much.

I wonder if we could barter in my area of expertise. I could talk about the evils of drugs (Hey the army pays me to do this).
 
Holy cow, if I could take a folder class locally for $300 I wouldn't bat an eye!
 
You need to look at the syllabus and find out what exactly he is offering. If it is a hands on class for sure and not a watch and learn type I would jump on it. $300 sounds rather low for a hands on type class. Also what is the class size? Will he have time to assist each student? Finally are you supposed to finish this knife in 2 days? If you don't will there be an option to return and finish?

When I teach in my shop I do not want more than 2 students so I can help as needed and not be overwhelmed. I have taught larger class sizes and it can get hectic. If the student does not finish the project I offer to let them come by and finish at a later time. If it is going to take significant time I will charge a small fee but normally don't. This is what I like to see in a class but not everyone has the same idea. Just be informed as to what will take place and you should not be disappointed.
 
It looks like there are 10 or so students and at least three instructors or assistants. Testimonials indicate it is hands on but instructors won't hesitate to step in to make sure things are done correctly.

I'm going to guess that blade blanks and springs are already done before class starts and there won't be any choice of knife style. They offer advanced classes that require previous attendance.

I live in the Ozark mountain region near Springfield missouri.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
 
duderubble said:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=394015 this thread is about the place.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I went there to Tom's shop in Ozark Missouri and took an intro into knifemaking class. Tom and his wife were wonderful and gracious hosts. Tom's a good teacher and he knows his stuff and he gave me a rock solid foundation to build my knife making career on. His prices are MORE than fair. He has a HUGE well equipped shop with everything you need from design to finished knife to sheath work. He will definitely be available for help after the class is over too.

Tom is one of the best people in the knife world. Additionally, he is the most kind and caring and gracious person I've ever met. Not only has he become a great friend, but he's one of my favorite people on the planet.

You won't be sorry if you go. Tell him John Doyle said "Hi."
 
I second the endorsement. Tom and Leonard were awesome teachers for my son and I. If Tom is a part of it, you will learn a lot. His shop is a dream for any aspiring knife maker. If you go, tell him Brian Ehst says hi..

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G800A using Tapatalk
 
I wish that there was a sticky for knife making classes. It would also be really great if members of this forum that teach classes have a place to post info about their classes.
 
duderubble said:
Anyone have experience with one of these? There's a guy in my neck of the woods (who I saw on Forged in Fire, BTW) who does several two day classes a year. He's got one coming up for folders that I thought would be a great Father's day present. Cost is $300 I think.

I have zero experience. Thoughts anyone? Is this a cheap or expensive way to get a taste of knifemaking?
Click to expand...

With zero knifemaking experience, I would not recommend a folder class to start out. A beginning knifemaking class would probably be a better bet.

Bob
 
I had thought that as well but I guess I trust the people running it. Some of their classes specify experience necessary. I assume they have created this class to allow people like me with no experience but a primary interest in folders to get started in the area that interests them.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
 
You might want to double check that with Tom. It's possible that taking a folder class, they might assume you have some other blade experience. I agree with Bob....folders aren't the best way to start out from scratch with knifemaking. I know personally, I was sure glad I had some experience with fit and finish and lines and flow before I started folders.

But....it certainly isn't impossible to begin your journey with folders. There's just a lot more to keep an eye on and pay attention to. Remember going into folders that changing one little tiny thing affects ten other things. You have to keep that in mind and go slow and think things through. It can be done.
 
It's good to know how to grind / finish bevels, attach scales & shape handles before one tackles folders. But it can be done.
 
duderubble said:
Oh, I was thinking of suggesting it as a gift for me, LOL. I'd actually love for my 16 year old son and I to do it together but that would cost twice as much.

I wonder if we could barter in my area of expertise. I could talk about the evils of drugs (Hey the army pays me to do this).
Click to expand...

the army has been "teaching" the evils of drugs to us up north for years as well... meanwhile they shove pills at us for almost anything leading to an epidemic of oxy and perc addicts and although we get regular urinalysis they are legalizing marijuana this year for the entire country so I often find the science and observations don't always marry up with the teachings in government organizations. anyway, I think taking classes is an excellent idea... the other great thing about our military is that they will pay me to take these classes so I can have a "real job" when I retire, so I'll be in the market for some useful courses soon.
 
A C Richards said:
You need to look at the syllabus and find out what exactly he is offering. If it is a hands on class for sure and not a watch and learn type I would jump on it. $300 sounds rather low for a hands on type class. Also what is the class size? Will he have time to assist each student? Finally are you supposed to finish this knife in 2 days? If you don't will there be an option to return and finish?

When I teach in my shop I do not want more than 2 students so I can help as needed and not be overwhelmed. I have taught larger class sizes and it can get hectic. If the student does not finish the project I offer to let them come by and finish at a later time. If it is going to take significant time I will charge a small fee but normally don't. This is what I like to see in a class but not everyone has the same idea. Just be informed as to what will take place and you should not be disappointed.
Click to expand...
That's about how I handle it. 2 at the most so I can be right at their shoulder. They always end up with a finished knife in two days.
Cost $400.00. More info on my Site. Don't have fixed dates. We just work it out between us.
 
I don't think that's a bad investment. I would be willing to bet you spent that much or more on something else and regretted it. I'm speaking from experience of course.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top