Knife making experience

[IP freely]

Hi all,
I’d like to spend a day making a basic knife and learning the fundamentals. I’ve seen a few forges online that offer such days, but wanted to see whether anyone here could personally recommend somewhere, ideally not too far from Oxfordshire (wiling to travel but ideally less than 2 hours)

cheers!

 

[tusker]

Try the chaps at White Tiger knives they do courses and are really nice guys
Tusker

 

[Home Loader]

Have a look at The wild bushcraft company, they offer knife making courses.

 

[zambezi]

I think having an intro day with an experienced/pro knife maker is an excellent idea. It will doubtless give you a lot of pointers.

However, if you cannot get to a structured course, there are plenty of instructional vids online. And a lesson learnt first hand sticks...

One recent offering starts with a knife blank and walks you through. It is US-centric, but the hardware is entirely reproducible here in the U.K.

 

[devon deer stalker]

The kids bought me a day here About VlakVark Forge with Graham Clarke, I really enjoyed the day, using the forge, hammering into shape, grinding/shaping and at the end of the day you get a rustic knife that will shave hair off your arm, and suitable for a para cord wrap.
But what it won't cover is producing a knife where you could attach scales.
I believe he can provide this on a course but you would need to discuss this with him.

To be honest prior to this I had already made a couple of knives with knowledge gleaned off Youtube, in fact I took a knife with me and he hardened it for me on the day.
Based near Swindon
Cheers
Richard

 

[VSS]

I did a really good one day one-to-one tuition course with Twisted Horseshoe Knives, and came home with a lovely knife at the end of the day

 

[zambezi]

Tonight I stumbled on this video. It shows forging damascus from a piece of steel cable. What is inspirational about it is the chap does not have that much sophisticated equipment. Bar the oven, all his kit looks homemade. I take encouragement from that.

 

[IP freely]

Tonight I stumbled on this video. It shows forging damascus from a piece of steel cable. What is inspirational about it is the chap does not have that much sophisticated equipment. Bar the oven, all his kit looks homemade. I take encouragement from that.

That is cool, miles off my entry-level standard!

 

[Rory]

Another vote for Vlakvark forge, I didn't go, but two friends went and their knives looked good and they thoroughly enjoyed the day.

 

[zambezi]

The YT clip below inspired me to make a knife-making file jig similar to that described. Even if you don't want to jump in to making a knife just yet, making a jig like this helps practice file stroke precision on scrap metal.

 

[Alantoo]

Owen Bush runs some courses. He is one of the leading forged blade makers. Have a look at his website see if you like what he does.

Alan