Description

Knife Sharpening and Basic Wood Carving Skills Workshop | 1 Day

This is much more than “just” a class on how to sharpen a knife and use it. By the end of the day your knife will not just be a tool, it will become an extension of your hand.

The first half of the day covers styles of knives and their parts, the different types of sharpeners, hones and strops, and the qualities of a good blade such as heat treatments, steels and geometries. Through a progression of simple techniques, we will work on everything from hand stones to bench stones to improvised tools in a matter of hours. Basic sharpening kits are provided, as well as upgraded versions for an additional $20.

The second half of the class is dedicated to carving a Mors Kochanski style “Try Stick.” A simple wooden stick becomes a powerful teaching tool to learn the cuts and notches that can be found in any outback or bush camp. By carving your own Try Stick, you will learn knife skills that were common to every farmer and outdoorsman 100 years ago.

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WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Sharpening

• The various types of knives and their parts
• Philosophy of Use Triad: steel, heat treatment and geometry
• The relationship between blade and edge geometries
• How to safely give and accept a knife
• The theory behind sharpening and honing
• A comparison of various sharpening and honing tools
• Proper use of a honing steel and a leather strop
• Multiple sharpening techniques for different applications
• Skills, tips and methods for applying consistent angle, speed and pressure
• How to evaluate and test an edge

Carving

• Knife safety, including the Blood Zone and the Triangle of Death
• Positioning your body for maximum safety and efficiency
• Basic First Aid skills for stopping bleeding
• The hammer vs the saber grip, along with five other primary knife grips
• Five cut or stroke techniques used in carving
• Creating a Try Stick with ten cuts of increasing complexity
• Bracing positions and levering techniques for cutting larger pieces

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WHAT TO EXPECT

This is a full day classroom experience split between lecture and hands on application. The focus is first understanding the principles of knife care and use, then safely applying them to your work.

Basic sharpening kits are provided, as well as upgraded versions for an additional $20.

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WHO IS IT FOR

This workshop is suitable for anyone who wants to learn proper knife care and use. Outdoorsmen, hunters, survivalists, hobbyists, tradesmen and anyone who uses a knife or wants to become more comfortable with one. No prior experience is required.

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SCHEDULE

Saturday, 9AM to 5PM

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GEAR LIST

Students must provide a dull wood carving knife with a 3″ to 5″ carbon steel blade. These are easier to learn on than larger or stainless steel knives. The Mora Companion or Classic models are recommended.