BL_P: Introduction to Medieval Knives and Daggers

Introduction to Medieval Knives and Daggers

Books, museums, reproductions and applied history activities are an important cornerstone of knowledge, but hands on time with artifacts can be more engaging and enlightening to our understanding.
Join us for a fun evening with blades and other artifacts from the early medieval to the early modern period. Dinner will be provided with fireside talks. During the evening, students will have time to handle artifacts, take pictures, attempt tracings or participate in additional break out sessions. Living history enthusiasts and makers interested in historical reproduction work will find the evening most enjoyable.

No skill or experience needed.

INSTRUCTOR:  Kenneth Johansen

INSTRUCTOR BIO: A founding member of the blacksmithing program at NovaLabs, Ken has been blacksmithing for over 10 years with the last 5 focused on bladesmithing. His passion for making blades originates from his first love, fencing. These days, Ken prefers to craft sharp objects instead of swing them. Ken is an adept maker and can be found pursuing artistic ventures in any number of mediums including metal, wood, plastic, paints and line drawings. He has completed course work at the Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing (VIB), Center for Metal Arts (CMA), New England School of Metalwork (NESM), Bill Moran Artisan Academy and other advanced workshops. Ken likes to make a wide range of blades, but specializes in historical reproduction work. Ken currently resides in Northern Virginia with his wonderful wife and furbaby.

SIGN OFF:  n/a

PREREQUISITES:  AGE: 18+  (due to handling of sharp, pointy objects)

There may not be a refund if the student is more than 15 minutes late for class