FORGE YOUR OWN
Since the beginning of time, human beings have needed and used edged tools to survive.
The human made the tool, and inversely the tools made us all the more unique in contrast to our wild natural counterparts. Before the overwhelming modern advances in automation, technology, and production one had to find or make the tools they needed. These jobs and the fight to live used make us strong.
Making your own knife is your shot at experiencing the old way of willing something to be, using your own hands to make it, and using it to your own benefit thereafter. It's an archaic and understated connection that I think every human should experience at least once.... it overhauled the way I look at the world around me and the role I play within it. I want to share this with you!
I proudly offer instruction in bladesmithing, sharpening, and leather work and tailor each dynamic experience to suit your take-away desires. For as many as three participants in a group, I have developed a no-experience-necessary dive into making knives. It's a simple and approachable adventure that includes three separate three-hour(ish) sessions where we will design a knife, forge the blade, select/fit/shape desired handle materials and hand-finish your very own fixed blade knife, with mindful guidance and a strong emphasis on safety through every step of the way. An "apprentice style" six class (or more) series is available to those wanting to execute each step of the process including blade grinding, heat treating, cutting and soldering guards, polishing, buffing, sharpening, handle gluing and grinding, sheath making, theory and so much more. This is not an entry level course and is recommended for the informed enthusiast with common power tool experience, or a hobby-maker looking to refine skills. Not a Eugene / Springfield local? No problem! I have welcomed guests from out of town before, and can assuredly provide an unforgettable three day experience on the ranch with a little help from some fellow local makers. Please inquire.
Class sessions are available at any hour between 6am -midnight, seven days a week on a first come-first serve basis. *Weekends are currently booked out through March 2025*. All materials, including necessary safety equipment are included, and safety is taken seriously to ensure a positive experience for all. Closed toe shoes are required and beater clothing encouraged- grease and oil stains are a guarantee. A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to schedule, and credit may be applied as a gift card to any offerings from Cunningham Custom Shop in lieu of instruction. Final balance to be paid at beginning of first session. Classes may be rescheduled at no cost, timing subject to availability. With clear communication skills, I assure layman clarity and cohesion every step of the way. Failure to make a quality knife is an extremely unlikely outcome, but just as well I guarantee that participants will leave my class with a dependable knife, no matter what.
101 Three-Part Class - $575/person
Three Day Weekend Vortex - $995/person
Apprentice Experience - $1495/person
Whetstone Knife Sharpening Class - $50/person, roughly 1 hour
Hand-stitching custom leather instruction (sheaths, holsters, wallets) - $50 hour, 1 hour minimum
REPEAT STUDENTS GET 10% OFF WHEN THEY RE-BOOK (excludes gifting the class to others)
LET'S MAKE A KNIFE
Get in touch below to schedule a consultation, or purchase a gift card for the cost of the desired class here. I can also be reached at 406-561-6212