Intro to Blacksmithing and Knifemaking - 3-day class
Hosted by Austin Bird Watching
Details
NOTE - PLEASE RSVP FOR THIS CLASS ON THE SAN ANTONIO SITE TO MAKE IT EASIER TO KEEP TRACK
I filled the class on this meetup page to make sure that RSVP's are done in only one location. Visit the page below to check on availability of spots. As of 12/9/11, there are about 2 spaces left, but jump on the waiting list if you're interested. Some may not pay in time or have to drop, and we will have more if this class overfills quickly, which it probably will based on feedback.
That Meetup RSVP page is located here: https://www.meetup.com/san-antonio-wilderness-living-and-survival/events/42916442/
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This class is open to the first 8 signups who pay in full. The tuition is refundable if the class is canceled only. I expect it to fill up quickly, but we plan to hold this class again, as well as more advanced classes if there is interest. If you want to hold your RSVP, make sure you pay ASAP.
About the Class:
This class will focus on introducing the basics of blacksmithing first. This isn't just a knife-making class. You're not just grinding a pattern out and then heat-treating it.
Knives will be forge-finished as seen on the website (and in all but one of the pictures below) and if all goes well for you, you will go home with a paracord-handle, finished knife. Additionally you will receive a pair of safety glasses, ear plugs, a file, and a file card to use for the class and take with you.
You will actually learn to heat, pound and shape spring steel into a blade. Come prepared to do a lot of hammering. We're spreading the 15-hour class out over 3 days to try to make it physically easier on everyone.
James will introduce metals, heating, forging, hammering techniques, straightening, grinding, shaping, knife and handle making.
Don't have huge expectations for the quality of your first blade. :) It's pretty ambitious to make a decent blade the very first time you have ever swung a hammer, but you will make one and learn enough to be able to do this on your own, or of course do it again in a more advanced class with more information and techniques next time.
Class Times:
Noon - 6 PM on Friday
9 - 3 PM on Saturday
9 - Noon on Sunday
About the Instructor:
James Helm is a local blacksmith who attended a number of THP classes back in the beginning, and gave a knife making class for us once before. In the meantime he now has a bigger forge and shop near downtown SA, and gives classes for Southwest School of Art.
He has many years' experience as a blacksmith and knife-maker. His website is located here (http://helmforge.blogspot.com/2010/03/hello-everyone.html)and posted below are some of his blades.
http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/6/5/8/event_77473912.jpeg
http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/5/9/e/event_76217822.jpeg
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/6/c/a/event_76218122.jpeg
http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/5/7/6/event_76217782.jpeg
http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/5/e/e/event_76217902.jpeg