Buddy Up: Forge a Survival Knife (Introduction to Knifesmithing)

Buddy Up: You and a friend will design and make ONE knife together. At least one person must be 18+.

Transform a piece of ordinary rebar into a beautiful knife that you design!

This workshop will immerse you in the world of knifesmithing – the art, science, and practice of using heat and hammers (among other tools) to shape steel. You will transform a piece of ordinary rebar (steel reinforcing rod) into a beautiful knife of your own design.

The first portion of this workshop will focus on heating and shaping the rebar with a hammer and anvil. You’ll heat up your steel in our propane forge until it’s red-hot then use a hammer and anvil to create the profile of your knife. Rinse, repeat until you have the shape you want. It’s a great workout!

After you’ve created the rough shape of your knife, you’ll use a grinder to refine the shape and form the bevel of your knife, which is the core of its cutting edge.

Finally, you’ll heat the knife up one more time and quench it in oil to harden the blade. This involves red-hot metal and usually a little fire when you dunk your knife into the oil. It’s the ultimate Instagrammable photo or video! Ever seen “Forged in Fire”? That’s exactly what you’ll be doing!

We’ll then take a break while your knife cools after you quench it. During this time, feel free to grab a slice from the excellent pizza place around the corner (Table 87). You’re also welcome to utilize our lounge area to relax with your slice, a drink, and your workshop buddies. Take advantage of your time out of the apartment and make a night of it!

Once we reconvene, you’ll put the finishing touches on your masterpiece – wrapping your knife’s handle and sharpening it to a razor’s edge. You’ll leave the workshop with a stunning piece of artistry, a slightly sore arm, and a newfound pride of your craftsmanship.

• What You’ll Be Making: Your own custom forged knife

• What You’ll Be Doing: Shaping your blade with copious amounts of heat and hammers, plus some help from a grinder

• Skill Level: Beginner — no previous experience is required.

If you are looking for other versions of this class, please see here:

Click here if you prefer the Single Guest version.

• You will design and make one knife. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Click here if you prefer the Date Night version.

• You and your guest will design and make ONE knife together and get a pizza and a bottle of wine to share during the workshop. At least one person must be 18+.