'Layered Steel' Course - from Artisan Blacksmith Darrell Markewitz of the Wareham Forge in Ontario Canada

ABSTRACT : Introduction to Layered Steels, 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

Introduction to Layered Steels

2012
November 3 & 4

This program may be held on these dates if student reservations back it.

This intensive, hands on,16 hour session will introduce the student to the basic techniques required in the creation of layered steels. Each student will create a layered billet, starting with a simple stack and leading to a pattern welded block. As well each will be provided with a prepared block of layered steel (about 100 layers) to forge a small knife.


Forge welding a billet	Pattern welded billets with test etch	Forged blade ready for hilting

Course material covers:

'Damascus' and 'Pattern Welding' traditions, Alloy mixes, Basic pattern generation, Working with cable, Acids and surface effects Review of related bladesmithing techniques, Introduction to the air hammer Historical overview

Requires intermediate level experience (ability to forge weld), 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 be provided with a previously made billet of layered steel to forge out to their chosen blade profile. You will be guided through the process of preparing, forge welding, drawing out and re-welding an additional billet. Students may chose between working with the flat stack (Damasus) or pattern welded (Norse) traditions. Although emaphasis will be on hand forging methods, students will be able to employ an air hammer to speed the work of drawing out. The stress of this program is forging rather than finishing.

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. A 50 lb throw air hammer will be used for drawing out. 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 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 'Introduction to Layered Steels'
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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