Week of December 14-20
December 14
Candy Canes and surprise Christmas presents in the forge this morning! Scott and his daughter Harlie made candy canes and reindeer cheese forks. And then Harlie made a present that I can't show until after Christmas. There's a few projects like that to look forward too!
December 14
Kate and Landen finished their Billet Knives today. They're both fantastic! Landen is a Serbian Chef Knife inspired cleaver, with a bushcraft finish and oak handle. Kate's is a Kukri with a "tiger stripe" bushcraft finish and a stabilized wood handle.
December 16
Mandi and her father William were back yesterday and brought her son Will! Will made his first knife, a great Railroad Spike Knife, while Manfi and William started their first Damascus knives. They both started with 9 layers, got the first forge weld and one fold done to make 18 layers. They continue today!
December 17
"Blades and Bling!" Mandi, William, and Will were back today! Will was a ring making machine! He got 12 really cool rings done. Mandi and her father continued working on their damascus. They got another 2 folds done, to make a total of 72 layers. William decided to do raindrop damascus. Both of them got the blades shaped, finished grinding, and heat treated. They will finish then next time.
December 17
New student record! Evan made a Billet knife in less than an hour and a half! Its never a race, but it is fun to see how much faster you get the more you forge. Great job!
December 18
Busy morning with Level 2 Homeschoolers! In Level 2 and 3, they do more complicated projects that stretch over multiple classes. So not everyone is on the same timeline. Today Landon and Lucas finished their first Damascus knives! Elijah and Judah are not far behind, just needing to finish their handles. All 4 did a great job with the whole process of making the Damascus steel!
December 18
Dan was back today, but since he is making gifts, I'm only going to show a photo of him on the grinder.
December 19
Ben finished his first damascus knife! It was a weird weather morning, so not all the level 2 homeschoolers were able to come this morning. Ben took advantage of having the fire to himself and started his short sword too! Fantastic work on both blades!
December 19
Birthday Knifemaking! Charlie brought a friend to the forge tonight to make Railroad Spike Knives for his birthday. They did a great job!
December 20
Marci and Anthony were in the forge for the first time this morning to learn the basic skills of blacksmithing. Yes, there are many knife plans, but it's always best to learn the basics first! Marci made an "S" hook and Anthony made a steel snake. Great job you both!
December 20
Kevin and Marrissa made absolutely beautiful knives today! Mar did a super shiny, and sharp Railroad Spike Knife. And Kevin, who has been here before, made a fantastic cleaver!
