June 20, 2011

Knife Making Workshop at Tryon Arts and Crafts

Tryon Arts and Crafts School will host a knife making workshop with blade smith Gerry Drew on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26. The goal of this class is to bring students to a basic understanding of knife design and workmanship in the forge. They will learn to forge, heat treat, temper and grind knife blades that can be attached to a bone, antler or wood handle. By the end of the weekend, students will forge several hunting knife blades and create at least one fully functional tool with a pleasant design and artistic qualities.

Instructor Gerry Drew has been making knives for over 25 years using the stock removal method (start with a flat piece of steel and grind off everything that doesn’t look like a knife). Recently, after attending a forging class at Tryon Arts and Crafts, he developed an interest in the forged knife. Drew says, “Forging gives a person much more flexibility in designing and building a knife. There are bends, twists and tapers that would never be possible with stock removal.” Drew’s knives are hard working tools that have been used all over the world by hunters, fishermen, and campers. A good number of his knives are purchased by collectors who are only interested in the art of his knives and never cut a thing. Drew’s knives are available at the Tryon Arts and Crafts gift shop.

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