Author Topic: Knife Making Class with Joe Seabolt and Ian Pratt  (Read 5326 times)

Offline Ian Pratt

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Knife Making Class with Joe Seabolt and Ian Pratt
« on: January 06, 2015, 04:34:31 AM »

  Joe Seabolt and I will be holding another knife making class at the Log Cabin Shop in Lodi, OH on Saturday May 16th and Sunday May 17th. Students will learn how to forge and heat treat a blade using time honored techniques. The blade will then be used to construct a traditional antler handled half tang knife. Students will have the opportunity to work with both coal and gas forges. Anvils and specialty tools will be provided, making for a minimal tool list.     

  Class fee is $300, which includes the cost of coal, gas, steel and most materials. Some blacksmithing experience may be helpful, but beginners are welcome. This has been a very popular class and it usually fills pretty quickly. Here is some info on the class from the Log Cabin's web site and a copy of the current flyer -

"...Learn tips & techniques from experienced artists and blacksmiths both featured in numerous publications including American Tradition, Muzzleloader & Muzzle Blasts.

    Learn how to make from raw materials a basic yet fully functional knife styled after those of Early American blacksmiths. Students will learn how to hand forge a high carbon steel blade and temper it properly for maximum performance, then assemble a knife with the blade using traditional handle materials. Learn how to build and maintain different types of coal fires for working and for tempering, plus successful blade hardening. Blacksmithing experience a plus, but not a requirement. .." 


 
   

Offline Ian Pratt

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Re: Knife Making Class with Joe Seabolt and Ian Pratt
« Reply #1 on: January 06, 2015, 04:36:06 AM »
A few pictures from a previous class, taken by our friend Joe McGee  -

Getting started. We had coal and gas forges working so students could compare.

 





Joe demonstrates how to draw the blade out and start the tang










Offline Ian Pratt

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Re: Knife Making Class with Joe Seabolt and Ian Pratt
« Reply #2 on: January 06, 2015, 04:36:47 AM »
The students forge out their blades











Offline Ian Pratt

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Re: Knife Making Class with Joe Seabolt and Ian Pratt
« Reply #3 on: January 06, 2015, 04:37:30 AM »
File work









Offline Ian Pratt

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Re: Knife Making Class with Joe Seabolt and Ian Pratt
« Reply #4 on: January 06, 2015, 05:12:33 AM »
Hardening and tempering   








Handle selection, fitting, and riveting the pins down





Offline Ian Pratt

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Re: Knife Making Class with Joe Seabolt and Ian Pratt
« Reply #5 on: January 06, 2015, 05:13:22 AM »
A few of the finished knives










Offline crowbarforge

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Re: Knife Making Class with Joe Seabolt and Ian Pratt
« Reply #6 on: January 06, 2015, 06:09:32 AM »
This is a great time, I have been twice and am going to see if my son would like to attend this class in the spring.  Great instruction, easily understood methods, and everyone goes away with a fine looking well made knife. And a good time is generally had.