Blacksmithing/ Bladesmithing Class at 19th Century Willowbrook in Newfield

Be Wowed by History!

When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, August 9,10, & 11, 2013, 10-4PM.
Where: 19th Century Willowbrook Village, 70 Elm Street, Newfield, ME 04056
Contact: Email: director@willowbrookmuseum.org, 207-793-2784

Registration for the 19th Century Willowbrook Village Blade-Smithing Course is now open. This class is limited to eight students. We have five forges, anvils and enough tools for the class, so you need not bring any tools with you. Metal and other materials will be supplied. You should register and pay in order to secure your place in the class. The price for three days of instruction (18 hours) by a master bladesmith is $325.

The course will focus on creating a knife from "Damascus" steel (patent welded steel prepared on a hydraulic press) or welded cable steel folded and pressed. The class will include an overview of forge safety, fire-making, hammering, cutting and shaping methods, filing and polishing, and heat treatment for the purpose of hardening (tempering) an edge.

The first project will be a knife. If time permits an additional tomahawk project may be completed. This second project will involve creating a composite of two metals, a softer steel and hard steel. This will be an exercise in forge welding using borax powder. A tomahawk shape will be created through the folding, heating, hammering, and drawing out of the steel metal stock.

A section of dulled file will be heated and cut. It will be inserted into a cavity created in the hot tomahawk shaped metal where borax, a flux, will be poured and cause the two pieces of metal to bond with additional hammering. A similar process can be repeated to achieve a froe, draw knife, or other early edge tools under the direction of bladesmith Adriaan Gerber; these may be projects for future classes depending upon interest.

Registration can be in person at 19th Century Willowbrook Village at the red barn activity building or the "Country Store" across the road during normal operating hours ( M, Th, F, Sat, & Sun: 10-5PM). We accept credit card payment over the phone:207-793-2784, or at the Country Store on the museum campus. More information may be had by calling: 207-793-2784---Please leave a message and a phone number.You can also connect with us during a visit to the Newfield Artisan & Farmer Market on Saturdays.

You own protective eye wear is required. Cotton long sleeves and pants are highly recommended. Boots or shoes that are easily removed are also recommended.