Puukko Knife Class...not direct razor content, but close.

[Mike Blue]

Here's the pitch:

September 13-16, Four days of Kay Vikstrom at my shop outside Cannon Falls, MN. Kay is from Finland and one of the better knifemaker's I've met. He has a wide range of experience with all things knifewise in Scandinavia.

The purpose is to make, from start to end, a Finnish puukko with sheath. The length of the class is to give us enough time to dwell on the finer aspects of the leather work including decoration and the fine needle stitching. There is enough support that you do not require any previous experience.

The basic blade is hollow ground, and that's where this class parallels razor making. I have witnessed Finns shaving with their daily use knives too. But that's it for relative razor content.

Day one: forging and blade grinding
Day two: finish day one and heat treat
Day three: finish day two and sheath
Day four: finish day three and sheath

Some of you with significant experience could come later and still catch up. Cost is 150 USD, there may be a small fee to cover cost of wood from Scandinavia and the special leather, but I do not anticipate much additional cost. Steel is provided, but if you have something you want to use bring it along. Everyone will get one handle block and a square of leather.

Any questions, email me crforge@frontiernet.net, or call 507-263-5808 and leave a message. There has been an on-again off-again waiting list. I will have classes similar in the future.

There are two decent motels within a 1/2 mile of my shop. I usually take everyone who wants to go, out to dinner one night of the seminar. This is a great opportunity to put skills into practice from beginning to end. All these skills can be generalized to making and finishing razors. I've also had the thought of having a class focused on that process by itself. You'll have to speak up about that if you're interested. Some of the older professional salts here may need to consider coming up to teach. We can talk about it.

Mike Blue
Cannon River Forge

[kbuzbee]

Man that sounds cool! Wish I were closer.....

Have fun and good luck!

Ken

[Greg Frazer]

Australia's a little far away... but fantastic idea!!

Greg Frazer

[randydance062449]

Let me check my calendar! ( and bank account)