Making edged tools with steel is a specialized skill with which I have little experience. In order to learn more about this process I’ll be taking a knife making class next month with my friend Duane Hanson, the owner of Moose River Handcrafts. In the five-day class we’ll start with raw materials and make a Scandinavian-style knife with a 3-inch blade.
Steps covered will include the following:
• Where to look for burls, metal, leather, and antler
• Types of burls
• Types of metal
• Tools needed
• Forging the blade
• Hardening at critical temperature
• Tempering for a strong and edge holding blade
• Attaching and shaping the handle
• Polishing the handle
• Applying a natural lasting finish
• Molding a leather sheath to custom fit your knife
• Knife sharpening with a sharpening tool
Dates: June 11-15, 2007
Price: $500, includes materials, meals, and camping
Duane lives off the grid in remote northwestern Maine near the town of Jackman. He’s a master craftsmen of not only knives, but ash baskets, canoes, and just about every other type of natural craft. He’s also lived largely off the land for 25 years. If you’re interested in learning to make knives this is a great opportunity to do so.
More information on Duane and the knife making course is available on the Moose River Handcrafts website.
