No Grind Knife - Japanese Dagger

The goal of this class is to produce a blade ready for quenching without using a grinder. The focus will be on the tanto, the dagger carried by samurai. We will start with a piece of high carbon stock. This class will follow historic processes as closely as possible. Students will forge their bar into a blank of precise dimensions, before hand forging bevels and relevant blade geometry. Then, hand files will be used to finish the blade. Blades that are ready will be quenched at the end of class. By following a specific and repeatable process, we can take some of the mystery out of the creation of these classic weapons. Fittings will be discussed, but this class is focused on the creation of the blade itself. This class is recommended for intermediate smiths.

April 9 & 10, 9am to 4pm both days | Hard shoes and long pants are required for safety