Intro to Knife Making

$1,350.00

Level: Beginner

Approx. Duration: 16 Hours (2 Consecutive 8-Hour Sessions). This class runs 2 consecutive days from 9am-5pm each day. It is possible that time may run over on either day. Please do not plan to leave exactly at 5pm. You may need extra time to finish your work.

Age Requirement: 18+

Instructor: Duncan Stephenson

Learn to craft your own 8” Japanese style chef’s knife from start to finish!

In this introductory class, we will focus on the fundamentals of making an exceptional culinary knife. Students will gain basic knowledge, as well as hands-on experience in the elementary principles and techniques of knife making including forging basics, kitchen knife geometry, ergonomics, design and function, grinding techniques, assembly techniques, handle shaping, heat treating basics, steel and wood care/upkeep.

Each student will learn to forge, hammer, grind, and finish their own knife blade before shaping and attaching their handle.

Class tuition includes all materials. Light breakfast snacks and lunch is provided each day by The Forge.

Plan ahead for your class with the right wardrobe and supplies:

  • “Work” clothes only (non-flammable)

  • No loose clothing/hair/jewelry

  • Closed toe shoes

  • Safety glasses

  • Respirator / dust mask

  • Water Bottle

  • Notepad

All class enrollments are subject to a no-refund, no-transfer policy. Instructors have the right to refuse any enrollee who does not meet the age and/or prerequisite requirements without issuing any refund.

By purchasing a class, or gifting a class, you are agreeing to our policy. Please read the full FAQ and policy here: https://www.theforgenashville.org/class-policy-and-faq

About the Instructor:

Duncan Stephenson is the owner and maker at Horn & Heel. A professional bladesmith with a BFA in Metal Design from East Carolina University, specializing in culinary knives. He joined The Forge Makers Community in April 2021, by way of North Carolina.

Date:

Level: Beginner

Approx. Duration: 16 Hours (2 Consecutive 8-Hour Sessions). This class runs 2 consecutive days from 9am-5pm each day. It is possible that time may run over on either day. Please do not plan to leave exactly at 5pm. You may need extra time to finish your work.

Age Requirement: 18+

Instructor: Duncan Stephenson

Learn to craft your own 8” Japanese style chef’s knife from start to finish!

In this introductory class, we will focus on the fundamentals of making an exceptional culinary knife. Students will gain basic knowledge, as well as hands-on experience in the elementary principles and techniques of knife making including forging basics, kitchen knife geometry, ergonomics, design and function, grinding techniques, assembly techniques, handle shaping, heat treating basics, steel and wood care/upkeep.

Each student will learn to forge, hammer, grind, and finish their own knife blade before shaping and attaching their handle.

Class tuition includes all materials. Light breakfast snacks and lunch is provided each day by The Forge.

Plan ahead for your class with the right wardrobe and supplies:

  • “Work” clothes only (non-flammable)

  • No loose clothing/hair/jewelry

  • Closed toe shoes

  • Safety glasses

  • Respirator / dust mask

  • Water Bottle

  • Notepad

All class enrollments are subject to a no-refund, no-transfer policy. Instructors have the right to refuse any enrollee who does not meet the age and/or prerequisite requirements without issuing any refund.

By purchasing a class, or gifting a class, you are agreeing to our policy. Please read the full FAQ and policy here: https://www.theforgenashville.org/class-policy-and-faq

About the Instructor:

Duncan Stephenson is the owner and maker at Horn & Heel. A professional bladesmith with a BFA in Metal Design from East Carolina University, specializing in culinary knives. He joined The Forge Makers Community in April 2021, by way of North Carolina.

In this Introduction to Knife Making, we will focus on the fundamentals of what makes a great culinary knife. From steel type and heat treat to shaping and finishing techniques, we will set the student up with the basic knowledge and hands-on learning to get started in knife making. This is a stock removal class, not a forging class. Students will grind and finish their blade before attaching and shaping their handle. We purposely designed this class with a maximum of six students so that you have dedicated one-on-one time with the instructor.

This two day, 16 hour class will consist of classroom as well as shop time. The student will walk home with a 6-8" kitchen knife (not forged). Lunch at noon and beers after class will be provided.

Duncan Stephenson is the owner and maker of Horn & Heel. He is a professional bladesmith with a BFA in Metal Design from East Carolina University, specializing in culinary knives. He joined the Fort Houston Makers Community in April 2021, by way of North Carolina. Check out his stunning work here:

https://www.hornandheel.com/

What students should have / could bring:

  • Work clothes (non-flammable)

  • No loose clothing/hair/jewelry

  • Closed toe shoes

  • Safety Glasses

  • Respirator/Dust mask

  • Water Bottle

  • Notepad

What they are going to get out of the class:

  • Kitchen knife geometry, ergonomics, design & function

  • Knife grinding techniques

  • Knife assembly techniques

  • Handle shaping

  • Heat treating basics

  • Steel and wood care and upkeep

  • Walk home with a 6-8" kitchen knife (not forged)