I was lucky enough to learn that Geoff Keyes does some teaching/demo work in his shop.

 

Geoff is a very knowledgeable smith and accomplished blade-smith [ABS Journeyman] and a very flexible teacher interested in teaching whatever phases of making knives you are interested in.

 

I enjoyed three days of forging [i had only done stock removal blades for the last several years] and learned everything I could absorb in the time we had. I am still putting into practice those new skills of course and will continue to learn.

 

We were also able to spend some time with Geoff's mechanical hammer and hydraulic press.

 

A lot of tool trading took place and I was able to fill in blank spots in my shop and give a new home to some others. I also brought home one of Geoff's knives. We also took a short trip to Whiteside Steel and found a 297 pound piece of 5.5 x 5.5 steel for a knife anvil which is now in service in my shop.

 

Geoff and his wife are terrific folks who made me feel welcome and at home in their beautiful home and gorgeous property.

 

These three days were one of the best times for learning and tooling I have had. I now count Geoff and MaryAnne among my friends.

 

Dave

Thank you very much, Dave.  I hope that you got what you wanted out of the class, I certainly enjoyed the time we spent together.  You are welcome anytime, even just to get a coffee refill :P.

 

Just to spread the word a bit, I teach all phases of knife making in my shop.  I prefer to teach 1 on 1, or at most 2 on 1.  PM me if you have questions.

 

Geoff

Congrats Dave! I may not bladesmith but I'd love to take such a class just because. A skill is a skill, knowledge is knowledge all valuable and worth acquiring.

 

Frosty The Lucky.