ABSTRACT : Basic BLADESMITHING, an intermediate level training course for blacksmiths and knife makers. Artisan Blacksmith Darrell Markewitz offers a regular series of weekend long programs in a number of aspects of traditional Blacksmithing. Special courses include : layered steels (pattern welding), bladesmithing / knife making, bronze casting, iron smelting. Programs held at the Wareham Forge in Ontario Canada, with remote teaching offered at other facilities.

Learn the Art of the Smith

Basic Bladesmithing

2010
July 24 - 25

This 16 hour hands on session will introduce the student to the basic techniques required in the forging of blades. Each student will create a number of rough forged blades, both single and double edged types. Initial practice work will be done with mild steel, followed by using a high carbon steel. The process of simple polishing and the basics of heat treating will be discussed and demonstrated.

It is suggested that students already have a basic level of experience at the forge. (If uncertain, please ask for details.) Session limited to four students, with each provided with their own work station. Your instructor is professional blacksmith Darrell Markewitz of the Wareham Forge. Please look over Darrell's past work with Bladesmithing and Historic Reproductions.

Each student will start Saturday by working up mild steel flat bar into a number of blade blanks. The stress is on smaller blades which can be more quickly competed (allowing more finished blanks to be created). Both single and double edged types will be undertaken, using a number of possible tang methods. A general consideration of not only materials for cutting edges, but an overview of historic and modern blades will be made.

On Sunday, the material switches to a high carbon steel. Students will either chose one of their test designs from the day before, or even forge a new pattern. The stress of this program is forging rather than finishing. There will be a detailed examination of heat treating processes, and how they apply to specific blade types. In late afternoon, students can either start grinding or polishing, or continue at the forge with additional blade forging.

Facilities: the Wareham Forge

The shop combines traditional and modern equipment, with the main forge coal fired (for forge welding) and two gas forges for general forging steps. There will be one anvil per student, all basic tools will be provided. Equipment includes the related grinding and polishing machinery, as well as a fully equipped fine metals studio.

The Wareham Forge is located in Grey County (Central Ontario), about half way between Orangeville and Owen Sound. We are about 5 miles SE of the village of Flesherton, just off highway 10, (about 2 hours drive NW of Toronto).

Course Fee:

$375.oo
(plus required 13% HST)
Includes all materials Includes one 4 x 1 x 1/4 pattern welded billet All necessary tools and safety gear is provided

Book your course via the electronic payment system.
ENSURE YOUR COURSE REGISTRATION! Please include your requested date under 'instructions from sender'. I will respond via e-mail with further instructions.	$100.00 CDN DEPOSIT on 'Basic Bladesmithing'
Course fees and deposits can be made with your credit card. Contact me for further details

For detailed outlines and applications contact:
the Wareham Forge
Darrell Markewitz RR # 2, Proton Station, Ont. N0C 1L0 phone/fax 519-923-9219

courses@warehamforge.ca

Can't make it to Wareham?

Take a look at the educational DVD's / CD-ROMs produced by the Wareham Forge


Introduction to BLACKSMITHING	Historic BLADESMITHING	Forging the VIKING AGE	IRON SMELTING in the Viking Age	Exploring the Viking Age in Denmark

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