
FORGE
YOUR OWN
KNIFE!
More than using, selling or collecting them, MAKING YOUR OWN KNIFE IS EXTREME FUN, SERIOUSLY REWARDING, AND EVERY HUMAN SHOULD TRY- yes, even you with no past experience!
I proudly offer two Custom Classes and tailor each dynamically to suit your take-away desires. For as many as three participants in a group, I have two options:
A. a three-part sequence of three-hour(ish) sessions where we will design a hard-using knife, forge the blade, select/fit/shape desired handle materials and hand finish your very own heirloom quality fixed blade.
B. a simpler one-and-done approach in which we forge a railroad spike into a functional blade with a decorative twisted handle. This is an elementary introduction to working steel and is available to nearly all ages.
If you want to simply forge, or take a part of a class and leave the rest to me, that's fine too. Please make inquiries and particular requests below.
Railroad Spike Knife Custom Class - one session, 2-3 hours - $200
Full Experience Custom Class - three sessions, 2-3 hours each - $675
Whetstone Sharpening Tutorial - one session, 1-2 hours - $50
Class sessions are available at any hour between 9am - 9pm, seven days a week on a first come-first serve basis. Please use the form at the bottom of this page to request current availability or any inquiry otherwise. The Full Experience Custom Class requires a two-week split between the first two sessions to allow for my 120-hour heat treat cycle that hardens your blade. The second session and third sessions can be next-day as we simply need the handle epoxy to cure overnight at the end of session two.
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. While I guide you through each step, I gladly assist and/or take over any part of the process you do not wish to execute (for example, your arms may become tired if you aren't used to forging and I step in to help).
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.
LET'S MAKE A KNIFE
Get in touch below to schedule a non-committal consultation! Feel free to include any notes about a particular design in mind, inquires about the class, special requests, needs, or modifications I can tailor to maximize your experience.






Disclaimer: I go to great lengths to assure and educate safety, but knifemaking involves inherently hazardous risks and all participants and/or spectators are required to sign a liability waver. Minors require assessment for comprehensive ability to adhere to all safety measures and instructions, and parental/guardian supervision is required at all times for anyone under the age of 18. Safety violations, carelessness, or any otherwise potentially hazardous behaviors will not be tolerated. In the event of non-compliance, I reserve the right to refuse or revoke my services to any individual at any time, without refund.