Workshops/bladesmithing: Difference between revisions

The Basic Blade-Smithing workshop is intended as an introduction to the use of the [[Tools/forge|forge]] and some of the common techniques used to make simple blades by the traditional methods. The workshop takes the form of 2 days, at least a week apart as well as some solo work. The first day will beis the actual forging process for the blades along with hardeningannealing and some of the initial grinding. Then each participant can go off and finish the grinding for their blades separately, since we only have one [[Tools/largelinisher|large linisher]], and the process could easily take several hours per person. Second day, a week or two later will beis finalising the grind, hardening the blade, making and fitting the handles, surface treatments, sharpening, etching if wanted. If people prefer a 1-on-1 course that is also available which allows the workshop to be broken up into 4 or 5 half-days for more flexibility in scheduling. Examples of the types of knife that are made during these workshops are available to [[User:Stever/Bladesmithing/examples|view or buy]].

There's going to be a charge of £2540 per person (£4065 for 1-to-1) to cover cost of standard materials and consumables, premium materials like higher grade steels or fancy timbers for the handles may be available at cost, depending on availability. It would be helpful but not essential if you're already inducted on the [[tools/metalchopsaw|metal chop saw]] ,the [[tools/bandsaw|bandsaw]] and at least one of the welding machines ( I like [[Tools/migEMP235ic|MIG]] best for this but any of them will work ) Please bring photo ID proving that you're over 18 and the course fee in cash, or we won't be able to continue. This workshop requires a moderate level of physical ability but isn't overly taxing. If you're able stand comfortably for a few hours, to walk up stairs without getting out of breath and to comfortably raise both arms above your shoulders then you should be fine.

Clothing wise don't wear anything that's good, it's going to get a bit dirty and possibly burnt spots! Overalls are ideal if you have them, otherwise reasonably sturdy clothing. Avoid synthetic fabrics as best you can causebecause they can catch fire easily. Safety boots if you have them, otherwise sturdy shoes that you don't mind getting messed up. These will be quite long days, at least 10 hours and quite possibly 12.

BeThese will be quite long days, at least 8 hours and quite possibly 10, be aware that unless you're used to this sort of work you're likely to be sore the day after, especially in the forearms!

* What we're going to do[[File:basicknife.jpg|250px|thumb|The type of simple knife that's made in this workshop]]

** I've made 1030 blades so far, allmostly successful but I am not an expert

** We cannot extinguish metal fires, useput theit vermiculiteon toa smotherfireproof surface and let it burn out

*** 10951080 – Standard, easy to work with, sharp, OK toughness, rusts

** They are GOINGhighly likely to break, what to do when they do

* [[Techniques/sharpening|Sharpening the blades]] to at least 1000 grit