Pete - one of our satisfied students.

Ken and Paula offer classes in just about any manner you wish and can sometimes even come to you if you can't make it to the Co-Op in Tenneessee. They also offer apprentiseships and courses on DVD and book. Here are the current courses available and those coming soon. All courses are available through Blade Traders

See below for available classes on DVD and supplies.

MINI FORGE. This unique course is a step by step book with the mini forge that fits on a plumbers torch and all the materials to make 12 mini knives. It is a serious way to learn the basics of forging, hardening and tempering, and even a posible way to make some money selling the cool little knives! $49.99. BUY COURSE

Examples of knives made with the mini forge

MAKING KNIVES FROM FILES. Show you everything in DVD and book form. Shows you haw with even the most basic equipment. $39.99 BUY COURSE

PUTTING HANDLES ON PRE-MADE BLADES and RESTORING OLD KNIVES. This is full of information both on DVD and in pictures and text. You can do so much without having to grind your own blades! $39.99.
BUY COURSE

MAKING KNIVES FROM OLD BANDSAW BLADES. This is a great, and potentially profitable way to make great knives from throwaway materials! Uses simple equipment. $39.99 BUY COURSE

COMING SOON:

DAMASCUS STEEL MADE SIMPLE! We take the mystery out of making Damascus steel. Scott Jaqua demonstrations combined with the DVD and Book makes it easy for even the novice bladesmith! $39.99

SCROUNGE FORGING 1. This is the first of a series that shows how to make really cool stuff from easy to find "scrounged" materials. The fir one shows how to make railroad spike knives, Knives from horse shoes, Cable Damascus, Motorcycle chain Damascus, and a cool integral knife from a chuck of car leaf spring. Great for the novice, but also great ideas for any blade smith! $39.99
More planned for Christmas 2009!

SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS:
In using our courses you will find we use some supplies differently then you may have seen elsewhere. For instance, we use a satin finish compound for steel on handle materials. We also use a special type De-burr wheel that you won't find at most suppliers. You will find knife making suppliers and belt suppliers out there. Most are good to deal with, we just decided not to endorse anyone. If an item isn't here and you have any trouble finding it, just call the Co-Op and we will do what we can to help. These items are available from BLADE TRADER at (LINK).They are the specific items we use in our courses. Specifics and prices are on Blade Traders.

BELTS: We carry the 2"X72" belts that we use. We also have specially made metal cutting belts for the 4"X36" belt sanders. We can get you any type belt. If you would like to buy belts in quantities of 10 of the same grit, we will connect you direct with our supplier.

POLISHING AND CUTTING COMPOUNDS and MUSLIN WHEELS: Again, we carry what we use

DE-BURR WHEELS (like Scoth Brite) We have a special made wheel that is firmer then most you'll find. It is also a more usable size. It has a 3" hub so you don't waste the wheel when it gets too small. We recommend getting two wheels. Use one for flat surfaces and round one for curves. By doing this and using our type wheel, these two wheels will probably serve you the rest of your life! I use a 12" version and I'm on my third set...in 30 years!

We carry #30, #41, and a #30 carbide drill for band saw blade material. These are a litlle tricky to find at times.

BAND SAW BLADE MATERIAL: You can usually find this for free. Find someone who does lumber cutting on peoples property with a portable lumber mill. He will have broken blades that he'd love to get rid of, especially for a nice band saw knife as a thank you! If you can't find them, we will sell it in six foot lengths for a dollar a foot, with a $50.00 minimum. (ours does NOT have the teeth on it) THIS MUST BE ORDERED DIRECT THROUGH THE CO-OP. WE CAN USUALLY ONLY SHIP MAY THROUGH DECEMBER!

Pin stock(1/8" or 3/32" brass braising rod), epoxy, and other items are at the local home center. But again, contact us at the Co-Op, we are glad to help!