Damascus Knifemaking, from Start to Finish!
In this class we will make a replica of the famous 1219C2 “Knife, Fighting Utility”, better known as the “K-BAR” – a design used my the US Marine Corps starting in 1943 and continuing through the Vietnam war and used by some Marines even today.
While the original knives were mono-steel, will kick it up a notch by making our from pattern-welded (aka Damascus) steel made from 1085 and 15N20.
This class is not for the faint of heart and requires a significant time commitment over multiple very a VERY full weekend. In order to complete the knife in a weekend, some extremely long and labor-intensive days will be required.
Along the way, you’ll learn all sorts of things about metallurgy, knife-making, and materials. You’ll also get signed-off on the 2x72-inch grinder, the power-hammer, and learn how to independently set up both the forge-welding and temperature-controlled forges.
Prerequisites: Students must be members of Nova Labs and have taken the Blacksmithing 101 and Metalshop Yellow (101) classes. It is highly recommended that they attend a dozen or so hours of Nova Labs Blacksmithing Practice Sessions before attempting this project.
INSTRUCTOR: Patrick M.
INSTRUCTOR BIO: Pat is many things to many people: (former) Blacksmithing Steward, (current) Nova Labs president, (former)Nova Labs Board Member, (former) Nova Labs Vice President, husband, father, amateur lawn care technician. Pat has been blacksmithing for eight years and regularly teaches classes for blacksmithing beginners.
PREREQUISITES: Age 16 and over.
SIGN OFFS: This class will serve as a sign-off class for:
- the 2x72-inch belt grinder,
- the power-hammer
- blacksmithing set up.
Mandatory Safety Dress Code:
- Must wear cotton or wool clothing – no synthetic materials.
- Shoes must be made from leather or canvas; plastic-topped sneakers will not be allowed
- Eye protection (goggles) are provided, but you may bring your own for the best fit.
-
Breathing protection is required: The instructor will provide a cloth mask, but it is recommended that the students provide a proper respirator to avoid breathing in metal dust.
If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, that is a safety violation and you may not be able to join the class.
-
-
There is no refund if the student is non-compliant with the safety dress requirement or more than 15 minutes late for class
