MARCH 2024 BLADESMITHING CLASS

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  • $ 500


If you've ever wanted to learn the art of bladesmithing, make a special gift for someone, or do a hands-on project for yourself? Now's the chance! 

What is the difference between "Knife-Making and Bladesmithing"?

Knife Making is commonly referred to as "stock removal" and is where we cut the shape of the knife out from flat stock steel and use grinders to create the entire blade, grind bevels and edges, and shape handles.

Bladesmithing is the process of taking an ingot or piece of steel and hammering it to shape on the anvil before using grinders and files to finish the blade. These classes are more labor intensive and are typically 2 day classes.

We offer one two-day, weekend  Bladesmithing course at our shop. Weekend classes are on a Saturday and Sunday from 8am - 4pm (or longer if needed). Our weekday smithing classes are either Monday & Tuesday or Thursday & Friday and will run from 8am - 4pm (or longer if needed).

Advanced classes will always add the third day to the beginning of the two day schedule, (Example, an advanced class booked for Saturday & Sunday class will then start on Friday).

What Is Included In A Class?

In our classes you will learn to make your own knife along-side Liam. This includes a step-by-step instruction in basic knowledge with hands on application of learned materials, and a information packet for use in class and for students to take home. All materials for the projects are included and your blade is yours to keep.

 Introduction Classes

Intro-1. This class 2 day class covers the basic design, construction, and principles of bladesmithing in a hands on format. Students are provided a piece of steel do design and fabricate their knife from. Students will learn basic forging techniques and principles, grinding, heat treating, and handle construction. In addition students will learn basic leather sheath construction if time permits. The finished blades will be between 8 and10 inches overall length.

Intro-2. STUDENTS MUST HAVE COMPLETED INTRO 1 FIRST. In this 2-day class students will get to practice the skills learned in intro-1 while learning more about edge geometry and grinding profiles. Students will be provided a piece of steel large enough to create a blade between 10 and 14 inches in overall length. This class does not include a sheath.

Advanced Classes 

Our advanced classes are for return students. To take an advanced course you must have completed the introduction courses. These classes are 3-day courses with the exception of the damascus class which is a 2-day weekend course.

Advanced Classes included are.

  1. Full Tang With Bolsters
  2. Hidden Tang With Guard
  3. Frame Handle With Guard
  4. Hidden Tang With Guard And Pommel
  5. Take Down Bowie (must have completed Advanced 2,3,4 before signing up)
  6. Karambit
  7. Chefs Knives/Kitchen Cutlery
  8. Tactical Knives With Kydex Sheath
  9. Integral Guard/Bolster
  10. Blades with Serrations
  11. Artistic Filing and Jimping on Tangs and Spines
  12. Damascus (2 day class)
  13. A La Carte {special projects coordinated with Liam in advance}

Advanced students can take a Damascus class in order to make materials for advanced classes. 

Classes are currently limited to 2 students per class. Please email liam@blackguardcustoms.com for availability dates.

**Release of liability waiver required. 


Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
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Bart Lavis
Multiple knives made

Liam and his forge have helped me learn the art of bladesmithing and create four knives I'm very proud of. I'm a return customer and I've always been very pleased with the end product! Try any of his classes and you will not be disappointed.

T
T Jones
Blackguard blacksmith class was great

My husband went to the blacksmith class as a gift for our anniversary and he loved every minute of it! Liam walked him through every step of the process resulting in a beautiful knife and experience! Such a wonderful experience from the purchase all the way through to the class itself! Thank you for your service and thank you for a great experience!

M
Mike Kelly
Great class

Really enjoyed knife making with Liam. Great class and humbling to see how much work goes into it. Highly recommend!

T
Tom Sellers
Fantastic class and experience

I took a weekend Intro-1 Bladesmithing class and it was everything I hoped it would be. Liam did an excellent job teaching while keeping the experience low stress and relaxed. He made sure that we understood what was happening and allowed plenty of time for questions. Mistakes were expected as part of learning. He ensured that we knew how to be safe operating the equipment and kept an eye out to make certain we took it seriously. As a person with no experience in a shop or metalworking, Liam's teaching style allowed me to be relaxed and focus on learning new things. I walked away with a knife that I'm proud of and even greater respect for the hard work and artisanry that goes into bladesmithing. I would absolutely recommend classes at BlackGuard Customs for anyone looking to learn.