Desert Forge Knives
Knife Making Class
Knife Making Class
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This is a purchase for a one-day Knife-Class. If this is a gift for a friend, we'll send you a gift certificate, and then we'll work with the recipient to schedule a class at a time that's most convenient for them.
"We had a great time working with and learning from Dan. He has so much knowledge in making knives and forging metal, yet he was able to explain the process to complete beginners. I learned so much throughout the process and now have a new appreciation for different steels and carbon. My wife and I are so happy with our end projects. We now have tools that will last a lifetime, along with the memories of making them, and we know they will perform in our home of Alaska. This was a fantastic gift idea I received and would do it again without a doubt!" - Trevor & Traci, Anchorage Alaska
Now scheduling classes in both Albuquerque and Phoenix. You can register here, and then we will reach out to you with the class schedule. We will work with you on the best date that works for you. Feel free to email us to get next scheduled class dates.
This is a one- day class where you will forge your own blade from raw steel into a functional knife. This is not a demonstration class - you'll be hammering steel the moment you arrive while learning forging and blade-smithing techniques and tools you'll need for your own journey. This is a beginner to intermediate class, but we will customize the class to fit your skill level and what you are interested in. Class size is limited to 2. Once you sign up, we will schedule your class.
What You Will Learn
- Basic techniques of forging a knife blade
- Heat treating and tempering
- How to grind and shape a knife style of your choice
- How to shape and fit handle material of your choice
- Each person will be provided with one piece of high-carbon steel and handle material and will have the opportunity to complete one full knife.
About Our Shops
We are well-equipped with propane forges, anvils, vises, hydraulic forging presses, Ameribrade and Grizzly grinders, band saws, drill presses, angle grinders, and lots of tools.
What To Bring
Gloves, safety glasses, steel toed boots, and proper clothing is the responsibility of the student. We will break for a one-hour lunch on the first day where you can bring your own lunch or go off-site.
Take Home One Knife
You will forge to shape, grind, heat treat and finish one knife complete with handle if you follow instructions.
Example Schedule
8:30 AM – 5PM (1 Hour Lunch)
More Reviews...
“I have done different types of metal and leather work for many years, but just recently decided to get into blade making. I started in early 2024 by taking the knife making class with Dan Lewis, at Desert Forge Knives in Albuquerque. The class was EVERYTHING I had hoped for. It was VERY informative, the instructor was knowledgeable and patient with me, I learned enough to start making blades in my own shop, and it was just plain FUN!!! So much so that I immediately signed up for the tomahawk making class, with similar results! Not only were the classes an awesome learning experience, but afterwords, Mr. Lewis has been absolutely WONDERFUL with helping me out with questions and advice long after I had completed the second class. I would HIGHLY recommend ANY of his classes if you are interested in learning about blade making! Christopher Graham, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Shipping
Shipping
Ships free to contiguous U.S.
Care Instructions
Care Instructions
At Desert Forge Knives, all our
knives are made with high carbon steel.
It is not stainless steel. We recommend to not wash it, merely wipe it down
as soon as you have finished using it.
You can wash it by hand if need
be, but do not leave water on it - no soaking in a sink of dishes and don’t
leave it to air dry on a draining rack. Wash and dry it straight away.
No matter how well you take care
of your knife it will turn a dull grey color over time. It will mark and not stay shiny. This is
normal, there is nothing unhygienic about it, it is just the nature of the
steel. Some foods, like lemon and onion will mark it instantly due to the
acidic nature of them. You can polish it back to a high shine finish again, but
it is unnecessary for the performance of the knife, it is purely cosmetic.
High carbon steel is a tough and
long-lasting steel and will keep an edge for much longer than stainless or
other steel. The only downside to high
carbon steel is that it will rust if you do not take care of it. To prevent
this, keep your knife as clean and dry as possible after use, and apply a light
coating of oil or wax. For culinary knives, olive, vegetable, canola or
sunflower oil is fine. For other knives, use a light machine oil. We recommend a light coat of food safe “Axe
Wax” for all knives. If you do get rust
spots, light ones can be scrubbed away with steel wool. More severe damage can be repaired by
re-sanding and polishing.
Some common do’s and don’ts
Don’t put knives in the
dishwasher
Don’t leave a knife soaking
in a sink full of water
Don’t store in a wet sheath
Do keep your knife sharp
Do keep it stored correctly
and responsibly
Do use the knife for the
purpose it was made for
Don’t use a knife as a lever,
hammer, shovel or screwdriver
Don’t cut on a glass, stone
or steel surface, do use wood or plastic
Please feel free to call or email
me with any questions on the care and maintenance of your blade.
If you take care of it well, it
will last longer than you!
