Intermediate Forging Course
This course is intended for experienced students who either taken our Basic Forging Course already, or have other experience bladesmithing first-hand otherwise.
In this class students will participate in the first the forge-welding of wire rope, cable, and then forge-fold the cable billets multiple times. Students will then hand forge tanto from the folded steel. The blade will then be shaped with grinders and files, and prepared for heat-treatment. Hopefully, after a successful yaki-ire, we will continue to refine and sharpen the blades, as time allows.
Tanto, having the greatest variety of different styles of blade shape will be the focus of the class. Students will forge a blade of shobu-zukuri, hira-zukuri, osuraku-zukuri, moroha-zukuri, or of another shape and are encouraged to explore a geometry besides the typical shinogi-zukuri.
All tools, fuel, and material included.
The price of the course is $1350 and is limited to four students per session. A deposit of $350 is requested, refundable up to 60 days before the session begins.
Sessions Available
- August 27-31, 2012 – Intermediate Forging Course
This course is intended for experienced students who either taken our Basic Forging Course already, or have other experience bladesmithing first-hand otherwise. In this class students will participate in the first the forge-welding of wire rope, cable, and then forge-fold the cable billets multiple times. Students will then hand forge tanto from the folded steel.
I am so excited to attend your class! Once I save up enough money. I have a couple questions though! It has literally been my dream to become a smith since I was 10. Wether it be for horseshoes or swords and now, after my 2 years of martial arts training, I have found Dragonfly Forge!!! I am more interested in making this a lifelong career. Can I do so by attending your schools? and different classes? Or should I seek out an apprenticeship like you did? I am very serious about attending your school and can not wait until I do. I also would like to know if its possible to have an apprenticeship with You.?
Thank you for your time!
Collin
Dear Collin
Thanks for the inquiry.
We recommend taking classes in whatever aspect of sword making that interest you most. This way you can better determine if the craft suits you and in which direction you might want to go. It also allows us to get to know you.
Apprenticeships are a very familial relationship and it is important that we each understand the strengths and weaknesses of all involved. It also requires a strong commitment from both parties for an indefinite length of time. My own apprenticeship with Mr. Nakajima was five years, but in some cases more time is required for mastery.
I hope this answers your questions. I encourage you to take a course and see how much you enjoy it.
I look forward to meeting you.