I met Mastersmith Dave Ellis (http://www.mastersmith.com/) online through Blade Forums. We met and I told him that I wanted to learn to make knives. Before I could even ask him if I could sweep his floors and pay attention and maybe pick up a few things while he worked he asked if I wanted to become his apprentice. Uh... YEAH!
After three sessions, I finished this:
The steel is 1095. The scales are bird's eye maple. The pins are brass. The blade is thick. Jennifer Lopez thick.
I am very happy with the result. Of course there are imperfections, many of which I could have fixed even as a beginner, but in the interest of time it is better to leave well enough alone and try to do better the first time on the next knife.
It was created by stock removal, but for our next knives, we are going to fire up the forge. I say "our" and "knives" because there are two other students learning with me from Dave. This is great because it allows us to learn from each others mistakes and get to view other designs in process.
My favorite parts of the knife making process:
-Cutting the needed steel from the longer billet. Sparks flying everywhere. It was like being in a fireworks show.
-Heat treating the blade with a torch. Seeing it change colors in the dark garage.
-Testing the blade outside on a piece of wood. The thing is sharp, tough, and holds an edge.
These three sessions were three of the best learning experiences of my life. And Dave does it all for free basically. Only asking that we pay for any parts that we break or wear such as belts and drill bits.
I'd like to keep making knives and see where it takes me. Maybe I will tire of it (I doubt it). Maybe I will make a living from it.
Even if I never make another knife what I learned in those three sessions will always be with me. As a knife knut, it was a great life experience. Learning to make a knife from a Mastersmith.
But of course, I have no plans on stopping.
Thanks Dave for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience.
After three sessions, I finished this:
The steel is 1095. The scales are bird's eye maple. The pins are brass. The blade is thick. Jennifer Lopez thick.
I am very happy with the result. Of course there are imperfections, many of which I could have fixed even as a beginner, but in the interest of time it is better to leave well enough alone and try to do better the first time on the next knife.
It was created by stock removal, but for our next knives, we are going to fire up the forge. I say "our" and "knives" because there are two other students learning with me from Dave. This is great because it allows us to learn from each others mistakes and get to view other designs in process.
My favorite parts of the knife making process:
-Cutting the needed steel from the longer billet. Sparks flying everywhere. It was like being in a fireworks show.
-Heat treating the blade with a torch. Seeing it change colors in the dark garage.
-Testing the blade outside on a piece of wood. The thing is sharp, tough, and holds an edge.
These three sessions were three of the best learning experiences of my life. And Dave does it all for free basically. Only asking that we pay for any parts that we break or wear such as belts and drill bits.
I'd like to keep making knives and see where it takes me. Maybe I will tire of it (I doubt it). Maybe I will make a living from it.
Even if I never make another knife what I learned in those three sessions will always be with me. As a knife knut, it was a great life experience. Learning to make a knife from a Mastersmith.
But of course, I have no plans on stopping.
Thanks Dave for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience.
