- Explore traditional bladesmithing at John C. Campbell Folk School.
- Learn hammer techniques, bevel setting, and tempering by eye.
- Craft Frontier knives to become treasured family heirlooms.
- Acquire skills for home forge use and knife variety.
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TranscriptIn the picturesque setting of the John C. Campbell Folk School, nestled among the rolling hills and verdant landscapes, the timeless craft of blacksmithing is not just preserved; it is passionately taught. From August twenty-five to August thirty, twenty-four, Paul White, a seasoned blacksmith with years of experience, will be leading a course titled "Traditional Knife Making." This course serves as a portal to the past, a time when the clang of the hammer striking the anvil was a common symphony in the forges of ancient smiths.
Paul White poses an intriguing question: How did smiths of old craft such beautiful and functional knives without the aid of the sophisticated equipment that populates modern metalworking shops? The answer lies in the very essence of traditional blacksmithing: the hammer. White recounts his fortunate encounter with elder smiths who passed down their wisdom, allowing him to forge a knife from a simple piece of steel using nothing more than a hammer, an anvil, and a handful of hand tools.
Throughout the course, students will embark on a journey through history, shaping custom handles and forming graceful blades. They will learn to set the bevel of a knife using these time-honored tools. The art of tempering will be explored through the observation of color and eye, using the heat from the forge alone. These students will be connected to a lineage of craftsmanship, adhering to the traditional riveting techniques that have been a cornerstone of blacksmithing for centuries.
The course transcends the mere creation of a tool. Students will forge Frontier knives that are not only functional but are also meant to be family heirlooms. These knives will potentially be passed down through generations, embodying the spirit and resilience of their makers. This notion of crafting versus purchasing represents a profound shift in thought, echoing the practices of our ancestors who relied on their skills to create necessities for daily life.
Upon completion, students will leave not only with a Frontier knife of their own making but also with a wealth of knowledge. This knowledge will empower them to forge various styles of knives in their home forges, cementing the skills they have acquired during their time at the Folk School. Paul White's unique teaching style, which he has honed from his past career as a children's therapist, infuses the course with history, humor, physics, art, science, and the lore of blacksmithing. He provides a supportive and patient environment, utilizing his background to foster a learning space that is both informative and nurturing.
The act of transforming raw metal into a cherished heirloom through heat, smoke, and the power of one's arm is not only a testament to the student's physical effort but also to their connection to a craft that has shaped human history. As the course concludes, each participant will carry with them a piece of the past, a tangible representation of their labor, and a newfound appreciation for the ancient art of blacksmithing.
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