Japanese Tanto w/ Hamon

PreRequisites: Seasoned Beginner  (A Seasoned Beginner has some forging experience, understands the basics of the Heat Treating process, and has forged 2 or more knives.  This is a Beginner's class, but some experience is required to be successful in this class).

In this class, Instructor and ABS Journeyman Smith Ed Clarke will be teaching you the Basics of Creating a Traditional Japanese Tanto Blade.  Participants will learn Traditional Japanese Tanto Design, Construction, & Geometry Theory, Forging, Rough Grinding Clay Application, Heat Treating, and Finishing of a Traditional Japanese Tanto Blade.  Handles will NOT be covered in this class.  

Ed Clarke will instruct participants on the following:

Day 1:

• Traditional Japanese Tanto Design, Construction, & Geometry Theory (1-2 hrs. classroom)
• Forging the Sunobe
• Finish Forging
• Rough Grinding
• Normalization
• The Hamon, Clay & Differential Heat Treating Theory (1-2 hrs. classroom)
• Application of Clay

Day 2:

• Heat Treating Performed (Shop)
• Tempering
• Finish Grinding
• Blade Finishing (Belt finish methods, hand sanding methods, etc.)
• Etching
• Polishing to bring out the Hamon

Participants will learn to Forge, Rough Grind, Heat Treat, Finish Grind, and Sharpen a Full-Tang knife!  All phases of the process will be explained and demonstrated.  If time permits, participants may even get to install a Cord-Wrapped handle!

Notes:

• The goals noted above must be acheived each day.
• Students finishing early may stay to assist others or may leave early.
• Students will not be permitted to work ahead of the class plan.

***This is a great opportunity to learn directly from ABS Journeyman Smith Ed Clarke, and under Ed's guidance complete your own Traditional Japanese Tanto Blade.  To be successful in this class, students need to be a Seasoned Beginner or higher.  This class can be enjoyed by Smith's with more experience as well (you can never learn too much)!  All steps of the process will be covered, with tips and info resources.  Students must bring their own PPE (personal protection equipment, including Safety Glasses, Welding Gloves, Hearing Protection, and Respirator).

PreRequisites: Seasoned Beginner  (A Seasoned Beginner has some forging experience, understands the basics of the Heat Treating process, and has forged 2 or more knives.  This is a Beginner's class, but some experience is required to be successful in this class).