Recommendations for Bladesmithing

JMJones2466

JMJones2466

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Jul 15, 2014
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hey everyone I’m looking at getting into making my own knives. Does anyone have any recommendations of schools to go to in order to get started? I’m in Ohio and have found just a few places nearby. I’m willing to drive out of state. Any ideas would help
 
If you want to visit the sunny Pacific Northwest (insert wink emogee here), Dave Lisch is a great master smith, teacher and person.
 
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If you want the Harvard of Bladesmithing schools, check out the ABS Moran School of Bladesmithing in Hope Arkansaw. Onew week classes, old style bunkhouse, lifelong friendships. Attending the school will also shorten the testing period for ABS Journerman Smith by a year.
 
Good suggestions already. I went and paid for a 1 on 1 class with a master smith and it was very worth while. I can easily say that my time in a skilled maker’s shop (I’ve been fortunate enough to be in a handful of different ones) has been the MOST beneficial of all the different ways of learning. Reading has been great, practicing, videos, etc. They’re all good. But having someone next to you, showing you how they do something and then helping you when you try it out is great. Plus, I love getting to be in the shop with someone else :).

Jeremy
 
Many good smiths will do 1 on 1 classes for little or nothing.

If they don't charge, always show up with a six pack of their favorite beer or some fresh produce. When done with your lessons, take them to dinner at a nice steak place and give them a nice bottle of Scotch.

When the new shop is done, I may take on a few students. My friend Dave has two or three at all times now.
 
I had a guy ask me what my favorite caliber was one time. He showed up with a couple of boxes of .45 Colt. Better than beer. Wait did I just say that.........
 
gudspelr said:
Good suggestions already. I went and paid for a 1 on 1 class with a master smith and it was very worth while. I can easily say that my time in a skilled maker’s shop (I’ve been fortunate enough to be in a handful of different ones)
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I did the same and feel the same, It wasn't cheap but I got what I paid for and more.
the only thing I would add , is choose one maker or style and stick with that (at least in the beginning)
They all do it a little differently with different goals and it's easy to get too many varying thoughts and processes in one's head.

regards
Harbeer Chahal
 
There isn't a bladesmith in ireland to get a class off as far as I know,unfortunately
I'm sure its like that in a lot of areas
I done a 1 day blacksmithing course and away I went
I plan on doing many more courses with many more blacksmiths
 
John mc c said:
There isn't a bladesmith in ireland to get a class off as far as I know,unfortunately
I'm sure its like that in a lot of areas
I done a 1 day blacksmithing course and away I went
I plan on doing many more courses with many more blacksmiths
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Jelle Hazenberg?
 
well heres a longshot but does anyone know a swedish bladesmith who might do classes?
 
HSC /// said:
Jelle Hazenberg?
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I follow jelle on ig and love his work but I wouldn't like to impose myself on a young busy bladesmith
Anyway I'm happy to go down the blacksmithing route even tho bladesmithing is my interest
If I was young and wanted to go pro at blades I would do 2 years at Hereford blacksmithing college uk
 
I haven't found any dedicated bladesmiths in NE Ohio myself, I've found a few knife makers who do stock removal but it's rare and many of them have moved out of the craft or have passed away. I talk to one very experienced and talented knife maker who is local to me, but he's moved out of the craft and onto other projects.

If you just want to swing a hammer and move metal and absolutely want to be shown something I would look talk these guys.

https://wraba.com/see_what_we_do/open_forge

https://www.nob-blacksmiths.org/

https://sofablacksmiths.org/
 
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Ocelot85 said:
I haven't found any dedicated bladesmiths in NE Ohio myself, I've found a few knife makers who do stock removal but it's rare and many of them have moved out of the craft or have passed away. I talk to one very experienced and talented knife maker who is local to me, but he's moved out of the craft and onto other projects.

If you just want to swing a hammer and move metal and absolutely want to be shown something I would look talk these guys.

https://wraba.com/see_what_we_do/open_forge

https://www.nob-blacksmiths.org/

https://sofablacksmiths.org/
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I will look into these site.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
If you want the Harvard of Bladesmithing schools, check out the ABS Moran School of Bladesmithing in Hope Arkansaw. Onew week classes, old style bunkhouse, lifelong friendships. Attending the school will also shorten the testing period for ABS Journerman Smith by a year.
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I'd love to take the intro to bladesmithing class, but I couldn't get away for two weeks by myself
 
BubbaW said:
I'd love to take the intro to bladesmithing class, but I couldn't get away for two weeks by myself
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I'm right there with you... Trying to figure out a way to take this class in Texarcana.... Need to convince my wife, find the vacation time, and appropriate 3500! Each a daunting task in itself.
 
J. Keeton said:
I'm right there with you... Trying to figure out a way to take this class in Texarcana.... Need to convince my wife, find the vacation time, and appropriate 3500! Each a daunting task in itself.
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Have you found any classes, etc here in Texas?
 
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