| ABSTRACT : Basic BLADESMITHING, an intermediate level training course for blacksmiths and knife makers. Artisan Blacksmith Darrell Markewitz offers a regular series of weekend long programs in a number of aspects of traditional Blacksmithing. Special courses include : layered steels (pattern welding), bladesmithing / knife making, bronze casting, iron smelting. Programs held at the Wareham Forge in Ontario Canada, with remote teaching offered at other facilities. |
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NOTE : This
information only available as documentation
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This 16 hour hands on session will introduce the student to the basic techniques required in the forging of blades. Each student will create a number of rough forged blades, both single and double edged types. Initial practice work will be done with mild steel, followed by using a high carbon steel. The process of simple polishing and the basics of heat treating will be discussed and demonstrated. This program focuses on the *forging* of blades however. It is required that students already have a
basic level of experience at the forge.
(Ability to control the hammer, assess heat colours -
see Course Requirements)
Session limited to TWO students, with each
provided with their own, physically separated, work
station. Course fee of $425 (+ HST) includes all
materials. Programs are open to any physically able people, from young adults onwards. (Aged 16 an up - see a special note : Teens as Students). Any students with "learning \ physical disabilities" need to refer to the detail section on Course Requirements. English is the language of instruction. Sorry - the Wareham Forge is not really wheel chair accessible. |
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Each student will start Saturday by working up mild steel flat bar into a number of blade blanks. The stress is on smaller blades which can be more quickly competed (allowing more finished blanks to be created). Both single and double edged types will be undertaken, using a number of possible tang methods. A general consideration of not only materials for cutting edges, but an overview of historic and modern blades will be made. On Sunday, the material switches to a high carbon steel. Students will either chose one of their test designs from the day before, or even forge a new pattern. The stress of this program is forging rather than finishing. There will be a detailed examination of heat treating processes, and how they apply to specific blade types. In late afternoon, students can either start grinding or polishing, or continue at the forge with additional blade forging. |
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Darrell has been working with forged metals since the
late 1970's. After 4 years at Ontario College of Art, he
worked as the blacksmith / interpreter at Black Creek
Pioneer Village. He now makes his living as an artistic
blacksmith and museum consultant. Since 1993 he has held a
regular series of workshops at the Wareham Forge - a full
slate of basic, intermediate and specialized programs. As
well as sessions at folk festivals and special programs at
museums and universities, he has trained historic
interpreters for museums and living history programs in
Canada, the USA and the UK. Twisting Bars (from Introduction to Smithing) Forging a Tang (from Historic Bladesmithing) Facilities: the Wareham ForgeThe shop combines traditional and modern equipment, with the main forge coal fired (for forge welding) and two gas forges for general forging steps. There will be one anvil per student, all basic tools will be provided. Equipment includes the related grinding and polishing machinery, as well as a fully equipped fine metals studio. The Wareham Forge is located in Grey County (Central Ontario), about half way between Orangeville and Owen Sound. We are about 5 miles SE of the village of Flesherton, just off highway 10, (about 2 hours drive NW of Toronto). |
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Remember: to guarantee a place, ensure your application
& deposit will be received at least 30 days
before the course date you desire. On recieving your deposit, a set of instructions detailing how to get to the Wareham Forge will be sent. (For planning, Wareham is near Flesherton, Ontario - about 45 minutes drive north of Orangeville.) |
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Special - One Week 'Forge
to Blade'
This program only offered if specifically requested for 2021 Only dates from through Summer to Early Fall - as available I have had an increasing number of people ask about a personal one week - Forge to Blade program. This would entail : Day 1 & 2 - Basics of Blacksmithing (stance, safety, tools, basic forging practice as the Introduction program) Day 3 - Introduction to forge welding (including practice work) Day 4 & 5 - Basics of Bladesmithing ( shapes, design, heat treating, alloys, basic forging practice as the Bladesmith program) In total this would be a 5 day long, 8 hours working per day (total 40 hours). Cost for this program would be $1500 (+HST). As with other programs, basic materials & fuels would be included, all tools and safety gear provided. If two people booked together, the cost would be $1000 + each. No more than two students. Dates would have to fit into my existing work commitments, available at the Wareham Forge only. |
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Exploring the Viking Age in Denmark |
