Blacksmith’s Knife
August 28-30, 2026
Instructor: Lashen Orendorff
In this three day workshop students will learn to forge the traditional blacksmith’s knife, a 4” blade with an integral forged handle made from carbon steel. We will be working at the anvil, forging the shape, and then move to the bevels of the blade.
After forging, we will walk through the concepts and practice of hardening and tempering to preserve the cutting edge and toughness to the blade. This class is designed as an introduction to forged cutting tools and offers students a project that promotes hammer control and a keen eye for detail, all while creating a functional hand-forged knife.
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Personal Protective Equipment
All Students attending workshops are required to have the appropriate PPE while working in the Nearside shop:
Eye Protection Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection either Safety Certified Ear Muffs or Ear Plugs
Closed Toe shoes or preferably CSA Steel Toe Safety Footwear
Gloves - Heavy leather gardening gloves or welding gloves
We strongly encourage:
Wearing clothes you can work in - Cotton or natural fibers - non melting fabric choices
Nothing too loose or with dangling strings that could get in the way, or caught in machinery
Bringing a notebook and a writing utensil, a water bottle, and a good attitude!
Lunch:
Baker street and its amenities as well as local cafes and restaurants are all within walking distance of the shop. You can bring a packed lunch and eat on campus or in the park across the street
If you have any questions, just reach out: info@nearsidearts.org