Date: May 22 and 29
Time: 5:30 to 9:30 pm
Course Duration: 2 day class
Cost: $299 + HST
Instructor: John Walker
Description
Commonly referred to as a Viking Knife, Viking Blacksmith Knife, or Blacksmith’s Knife, this pocket-sized knife’s design is based on Iron Age blades found in a bog in Denmark. The knife would likely have been used for daily living tasks and specifically by early blacksmiths for preparing kindling for their charcoal and coal forges.
In this workshop, you will forge a Viking Knife using basic blacksmith tools and techniques to draw, upset and twist/bend 5160 carbon steel to embellish and complete your piece. Considerable time will be spent creating the bevels and plunge lines of your creation using files and a filing jig. You will use the heat of the forge to harden and temper the blade of your knife to give it a lasting and durable edge. Your final creation will be finished by applying a coating of linseed oil and paraffin to protect the blade from oxidizing.
Please note: Workshop participants must be 16 years of age or older. Those under 18 years of age must have parental consent / a signed waiver.
Meet the Instructor
John Walker, Blacksmith
Metalworking, forging, and casting have been long-time passions of John’s since, as a hobbyist, he first started making knives in a small urban backyard shop some twenty-seven years ago. His first anvil was the head of a ten-pound sledgehammer on which he learned to move and shape hot iron.
Today, John owns and operates Fallen Willow Forge, located on his property in East Gwillimbury where, along with providing ironwork for a log home he built, he does commission forging work and provides blacksmith workshops.
John also operates a mobile version of his forge which is used to provide blacksmith demonstrations at fairs and festivals. He is a regular demonstrator at the Kingston Annual Sheepdog Trials and Festival as well as the Very Victorian Outdoor Christmas Market held in Stratford, Ontario. John is a member in good standing of the Ontario Artist Blacksmith Association.
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