Make your first knife with Andre Erasmus

Description

Make Your First Knife - Andre Erasmus Knife Making Workshop Making a Hollow Ground Fixed Blade Knife with Bolsters and Tapered Tang. Welcome to the Andre Erasmus Knife Making Workshop, located in Klerksdorp, North West Province, where tradition meets craftsmanship. This hands-on introductory course is designed for those who are passionate about learning the basic skills of knifemaking and crafting their very first high-quality knife. What You'll Learn: Join us on a journey through the intricate process of crafting your own fixed blade knife and custom sheath. With my step-by-step guidance, you'll develop the foundational skills and confidence needed to create a masterpiece. Introduction to Knifemaking: Gain an understanding of knifemaking terminology, design principles, and handle types. Familiarize yourself with the essential tools and materials used in the craft. Blade Preparation: Learn to mark, layout, and prepare your blade for heat treatment. Master the techniques of hardening and tempering your blade for durability and performance. Precision Crafting: Mark, hollow grind, and polish bevels for a professional finish. Taper the handle part of the blade to achieve perfect balance. Polish blade flats and ensure every detail meets high standards. Bolster and Handle Fitting: Mark, drill, shape, and fit bolsters to add strength and style. Design and fit handles with precision, applying and gluing handle pins for security. Polish the knife spine and handles for a seamless, comfortable grip. Final Touches: Personalize your creation by applying a logo using laser technology. Achieve a razor-sharp edge through expert sharpening techniques. Custom Leather Sheath: Design and sew a leather sheath that complements and protects your knife. Instructor's Expertise: Andre has over a decade of experience training knifemaking students, with more than a hundred students benefiting from his one-on-one expert classes. “I got hooked on knifemaking around 2010 and have been making knives full-time since 2015, using stock removal methods. Modern stainless steels make it possible to craft high-quality knives that are both beautiful and durable without having to be forged. At the same time, I also enjoy working with damascus steels made by local expert smiths.” “The values ‘Creativity, Craftsmanship & Quality’ best represent my approach to knifemaking, and I always try to make the next knife better than the previous one. I believe that knifemaking is a never-ending journey of learning skills and techniques, and I have learned a lot from other knifemakers in the past. As such, it gives me great pleasure to pass the knowledge that I have accumulated on to new knifemakers. Often, I find that I learn as much from a training course as the students do.” Course Benefits and Outcomes By participating in this workshop, you will: Develop Core Skills: Gain the ability to create a high-quality knife from start to finish. You will learn the intricacies of knife design, including blade shaping, grinding, and heat treatment. The course will also cover handle design, providing you with the skills to craft a comfortable and functional grip. Techniques: Dive deep into essential knifemaking techniques. Learn how to hollow grind, taper tangs, fit and peen bolsters, and fit handles. You'll gain hands-on experience with both modern knifemaking methods, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the craft. Experience Transformative Learning: This workshop is designed to guide you from a beginner to a skilled knifemaker. Through personalized instruction and practical exercises, you'll build confidence and proficiency, allowing you to create beautiful, functional knives. Course Outcomes: By the end of this course, you'll have developed the skills to create a high-quality knife, gained an understanding of the principles of knifemaking, and enhanced your ability to work with various materials and tools. Unique Selling Points Personalized Instruction: Andre Erasmus offers a unique, hands-on teaching style, ensuring that each participant receives the individual attention needed to master the art of knifemaking. His passion and expertise in the craft provide students with invaluable insights and mentorship. Intimate Class Size: With a limited number of participants, the workshop ensures that each student receives focused guidance and support. This setting allows for a more personalized learning experience, where questions are encouraged, and every student has ample time to practice and refine their skills. Quality Materials and Tools: The workshop uses only high-quality materials and professional-grade tools. Participants will learn to work with top-notch steel and handle materials, ensuring that their finished product is of the highest standard. The tools provided offer a professional-level experience, allowing students to understand and apply industry-standard techniques. Certification or Acknowledgment Certificate of Completion: Upon successful completion of the workshop, each participant will receive a certificate acknowledging their newfound skills and achievements in knifemaking. This certificate serves as a testament to your dedication and proficiency in the craft, a valuable addition to any portfolio. Testimonials: “Basic Knife Making Course with Andre Erasmus” Reviewed 3 weeks ago "I spent a day with Andre for an accelerated knife making course. I started with very little knowledge and left with my own knife. What a pleasure to work with a great person and great trainer like Andre. He understands the needs of adult learners, and I just had the best time ever. I will certainly be back for a more advanced course." – Jan Badenhorst Date of experience: June 2024 Why Choose This Introductory Course? This course is perfect for beginners who want a comprehensive, in-person learning experience. Our small class sizes ensure personalized instruction, allowing you to work closely with an experienced knifemaker in a supportive environment. You'll leave not only with a knife of your own making but also with the foundational skills to continue crafting on your own. The course runs over two days, with sessions from 8 AM to 5 PM. Each session is carefully structured to maximize learning and practice. Tea, coffee, and cold drinks are available throughout the day, and lunch is provided around midday. I'd love to hear how these aspects contributed to your experience. Safety Measures: Your safety is our priority. We adhere to all recommended safety guidelines, including sanitization, social distancing, and providing PPE as needed. FAQs: What is the experience level required for this course? You do not need any experience; all steps will be shown and demonstrated during the course. Is accommodation available for out-of-town participants? Ukarimu Guesthouse (our home) offers special rates for knifemakers. Can I take home the knife I make? You own the knife and sheath that you make, and it will probably become one of your most treasured possessions.

What's included in the price?

Tools Provided in the Workshop: Each student will have access to a range of professional tools and equipment, including: Drill press Belt sanders Bandsaw Polishing sander Buffing machine Flat disc grinder Mini wheel grinder Heat treating kiln Files and diamond files Angle grinder Scribe Height gauge / Grind lines marker Bolster drilling clamps Alignment clamp Vernier gauge Leather crafting tools Materials Provided: As part of the course, all necessary materials will be provided, ensuring a seamless crafting experience: Blade steel Bolster steel G10 handle material Pinning materials Glues Consumables Sanding belts Sanding paper Veg-tan leather Study Materials Provided: Each participant will receive comprehensive study materials, including: "Knife Making for Beginners - Making Your First Fixed Blade Knife with the Stock Removal Method" by André Erasmus: Introduction to Knife Making Overview of the Stock Removal Method Safety Precautions Blade Shaping and Grinding Handle Design and Ergonomics Knife Balance and Weight Sheath Making Knife Maintenance and Care "Blade Beginnings: An Introduction to Knife Making" by Andre Erasmus: Origin and Evolution of Knifemaking Different Types of Knives Importance of Knife Making Knife Terminology Blade Design Handle Types Tools Blade Steel Handle Materials Bolster Materials Designing Your Knife Forging and Preparing the Blade Grinding, Sharpening, and Polishing Handle and Bolster Attachment Finishing Touches Safety and Maintenance

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Andre Erasmus Knife Making Academy

with Craft Courses since 2024

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