Intro To Bladesmithing: DIY Railroad Spike Knife (2 Day Class)

The railroad spike knife is one of the first knife projects every bladesmith makes; it's almost a rite of passage on your way to becoming a bladesmith.

You might hear many wits on the internet explain dismissively that railroad spikes don't make good knives...
But they do when you use spikes custom made out of 1084 tool steel!

NOTE: THIS IS A 2-DAY, 2-PART CLASS. PART 1 ON SATURDAY, NOON TO ABOUT 3:30 - 4 PM.

PART 2 ON SUNDAY, NOON UNTIL YOUR KNIFE IS COMPLETE.

PART 1 (Saturday): We will be forging special bespoke rail road spikes into knives. In this first class we will hammer out a knife blank from a spike to prepare for the stock removal process. Basic hammering techniques, use of a hydraulic forging press and good forging practices will be covered as well as blacksmithing terms and safe equipment operation.

PART 2 (Sunday): We will be doing stock reduction with grinders and sanders to create a finished knife then twisting and heat treating the knives before final finishing and sharpening.

Be sure to wear closed toe shoes and long pants.

For ages: 18 and older

Price: $195/person (price includes both days & all materials)

Class size: 6