Forge a Survival Knife (Introduction to Knifesmithing)
4 Hours • Forge a Survival Knife • Ages 18+
Overview
Activity details
Workshop At a Glance
Price: Starting at $275 per person
Duration: 4 hours
Location: Craftsman Ave Workshop at 117 11th Street Brooklyn, NY 11215
Class size: Usually no more than 12 people
Skill Level : Beginner — no previous experience is required.
What You’ll Be Making : A practical and functional utility knife.
What You’ll Be Doing: Shaping your blade with copious amounts of heat and hammers, plus some help from a grinder
What's included
What’s Included? All Materials & Tools Provided!
Highlights
What To Expect
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.
Additional information
Check-in details
Please arrive a few minutes early to get settled and checked in.
Special requirements
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
FAQs
Skill level Beginner — no prior experience is required.
Cancellations
Cancellations or rescheduling requests 1 week or more prior to start of a workshop can receive a full refund or full credit towards a future workshop. Cancellations or rescheduling requests between a week and two days prior to start of a workshop will receive a credit of 50% towards a future workshop. Cancellations or rescheduling requests made within two days prior to start of a workshop will not receive any refund or credit. All cancellation/rescheduling requests should be sent directly to hello@craftsmanave.com.
Please arrive on time for your workshop. We understand that delays can happen, but kindly plan for potential traffic or public transportation issues. Our workshops are designed for guests to learn all the skills involved to make something they can be proud of, all within the scheduled time. Late arrivals disrupt this experience for everyone. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you may not be able to join. Your workshop guide will make the final decision regarding late arrivals.