Grind To Perfection: Advanced Knife Work

$500.00

Elevate your bladesmithing skills with this three-day hands-on workshop led by expert instructor Shawn Kelly. This series is designed for those eager to master the art of stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Each class focuses on exploring the intricacies of one of four distinct knife grinds.

Whether you're an experienced bladesmith or new to the craft, you'll receive comprehensive instruction on grinding, heat treating, handle sculpting, and achieving a professional fit and finish. Working with 1075 steel, renowned for its excellent edge retention and ease of sharpening, you’ll learn the edge quench technique, which hardens the cutting edge while maintaining a flexible spine for added durability. You’ll design your own knife and create a custom blade that reflects your vision and skills.

The three-day classes focus on stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Students will learn the edge quench process to create a hard, sharp edge with a flexible spine; receive two billets to create knife blanks, selecting the best one to finish, plus an additional blank for practice, and enjoy small class sizes with a maximum of 6 students per session for personalized guidance and focused learning.

Day 1: Design your knife, grind the profile, and perform an edge quench.

Day 2: Prepare handles, glue up, finalize profiling, complete the final blade grind, and practice on an additional blank.

Day 3: Sculpt and finish handles, hand sand, and polish your knife to a professional finish.

Whether you’re honing your skills with the flat grind or exploring the unique attributes of other grind styles, this series offers a comprehensive, hands-on approach to advanced knife crafting through stock removal. Future class dates will be announced soon, so stay tuned and register early to secure your spot in this transformative workshop series.

Instructors Bio: Shawn’s passion for bladesmithing began in childhood, inspired by the industrious dwarves from the classic video game, Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. He started his journey in 2014 by crafting railroad spike knives and has been working with Forged In Fire champion Chris Farrell since 2015. In 2021, Shawn also had the opportunity to work with Ryu Lim. Through these experiences, he has mastered the art of crafting beautiful and functional knives in demanding production environments.

Instructor: Smith Shawn Kelly
Location & Duration: Village Smithy, 15 hours over 3 days
Materials: All materials provided

Enrollment & Refunds

  • Enrollment must be completed at least one week before the class date.

  • No refunds are offered once the enrollment fee has been received.

  • If a student cannot attend, they may reschedule once on a space-available basis. To reschedule, students must contact us in writing before the class begins at info@pioneerfarms.org. No exceptions.

Prerequisites

  • Basic Blacksmithing: Intro - or equivalent experience.

What to Wear

  • A cotton or other natural-fiber shirt (long sleeves optional)

  • Long pants or jeans

  • Work boots or closed-toe shoes

What to Bring

  • Safety glasses (required)

  • Hearing protection (optional)

  • Water (at least 1 gallon in the summer)

  • Sack lunch (classes include a 30-minute break)

  • Gourmet sandwiches, chips, and drinks are available for purchase in the General Store.

Age Requirements

  • Class is designed for ages 18 and older.

  • Ages 15–17 may enroll if a parent or legal guardian signs the attendance release form at the start of class.

  • Ages 12–14 may enroll only if a parent or legal guardian also enrolls in and attends the class with them. No exceptions

Dates:

Elevate your bladesmithing skills with this three-day hands-on workshop led by expert instructor Shawn Kelly. This series is designed for those eager to master the art of stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Each class focuses on exploring the intricacies of one of four distinct knife grinds.

Whether you're an experienced bladesmith or new to the craft, you'll receive comprehensive instruction on grinding, heat treating, handle sculpting, and achieving a professional fit and finish. Working with 1075 steel, renowned for its excellent edge retention and ease of sharpening, you’ll learn the edge quench technique, which hardens the cutting edge while maintaining a flexible spine for added durability. You’ll design your own knife and create a custom blade that reflects your vision and skills.

The three-day classes focus on stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Students will learn the edge quench process to create a hard, sharp edge with a flexible spine; receive two billets to create knife blanks, selecting the best one to finish, plus an additional blank for practice, and enjoy small class sizes with a maximum of 6 students per session for personalized guidance and focused learning.

Day 1: Design your knife, grind the profile, and perform an edge quench.

Day 2: Prepare handles, glue up, finalize profiling, complete the final blade grind, and practice on an additional blank.

Day 3: Sculpt and finish handles, hand sand, and polish your knife to a professional finish.

Whether you’re honing your skills with the flat grind or exploring the unique attributes of other grind styles, this series offers a comprehensive, hands-on approach to advanced knife crafting through stock removal. Future class dates will be announced soon, so stay tuned and register early to secure your spot in this transformative workshop series.

Instructors Bio: Shawn’s passion for bladesmithing began in childhood, inspired by the industrious dwarves from the classic video game, Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. He started his journey in 2014 by crafting railroad spike knives and has been working with Forged In Fire champion Chris Farrell since 2015. In 2021, Shawn also had the opportunity to work with Ryu Lim. Through these experiences, he has mastered the art of crafting beautiful and functional knives in demanding production environments.

Instructor: Smith Shawn Kelly
Location & Duration: Village Smithy, 15 hours over 3 days
Materials: All materials provided

Enrollment & Refunds

  • Enrollment must be completed at least one week before the class date.

  • No refunds are offered once the enrollment fee has been received.

  • If a student cannot attend, they may reschedule once on a space-available basis. To reschedule, students must contact us in writing before the class begins at info@pioneerfarms.org. No exceptions.

Prerequisites

  • Basic Blacksmithing: Intro - or equivalent experience.

What to Wear

  • A cotton or other natural-fiber shirt (long sleeves optional)

  • Long pants or jeans

  • Work boots or closed-toe shoes

What to Bring

  • Safety glasses (required)

  • Hearing protection (optional)

  • Water (at least 1 gallon in the summer)

  • Sack lunch (classes include a 30-minute break)

  • Gourmet sandwiches, chips, and drinks are available for purchase in the General Store.

Age Requirements

  • Class is designed for ages 18 and older.

  • Ages 15–17 may enroll if a parent or legal guardian signs the attendance release form at the start of class.

  • Ages 12–14 may enroll only if a parent or legal guardian also enrolls in and attends the class with them. No exceptions