The Kiridashi is the original Japanese utility knife. A smaller chisel pointed version was traditionally carried in the sleeve pocket of one's kimono by both Samurai and peasant alike. The Kiridashi is now used by practically everyone in Japan from children to master craftsmen. In many ways it's the fixed blade equivalent of the western pocket knife. We will be Continue Reading

In this fun and foundational class we will be forging square tapers, practicing our drawing out technique, developing general hammer control and learning to use anvils in synergy with your hammer strikes. We will also be learning make a simple scroll and a twist pattern. Our goal is to create unique steel skewers for roasting treats over a fire or Continue Reading

Cuttlefish casting is a quick and fairly accurate casting method. Its applications are limited only by the thickness and overall dimensions of the available shells. It is difficult to achieve fine details on the surface of the casting, but this is offset by the richly complex texture that is a natural by-product of this method. The back plate or cuttlebone Continue Reading

In this class we will explore some intermediate soldering and techniques that will allow to to construct jewelry in multiple stages. We will be using multiple "hardnesses" of solder and employ either chip soldering or sweat soldering. We will also be covering the measuring, forming, and sizing of coin rings, using a coin punch to create circles and using a Continue Reading

Coins have been made into rings for years, they were sometimes given as wedding bands after World War I and WWII. It is said that these rings were often made in the trenches or on Navy ships at sea by hitting the coin with a large silver spoon several thousand times. Learn how to heat, hammer, and shape metal while Continue Reading

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! Come and Continue Reading