Brut de Forge Course
Haywood Community College, Clyde, NC
Joe Keeslar, Master Smith - February 23-25, 2012
The Brut de Forge Class will be a three day instructional study and manufacture of a forged knife that I call the Brut de Forge. This is a French term that means “rough and unfinishedâ€.
There will be demonstrations and instruction in the following areas concerning the construction of the Brut de Forge:
Selection of knife steels to be considered in the construction of this knife. Special forging techniques required in the shaping of the Brut de Forge.
Grinding of the knife in preparation for heat treating, both flat and hollowing grinding techniques.
Discussion and demonstrations on the “thermo cycling, grain reduction and annealing techniques.
Selective heat treating of the knife.
Consideration, selection, and methods of attachment of handle material on the Brut de Forge. Final grinding, finishing and sharpening of the knife.
Discussion and demonstrations of embellishment on the Brut de Forge.
As an extra feature, a demonstration will be made on the forging and grinding of a Brut de Forge dagger.
Based on past classes taught on this subject it is expected that all students will leave the class with a good understanding of the making of a Brut de Forge knife, and take with them at least one completed knife.
The Brut de Forge Class is offered to bladesmiths of all levels of expertise who wish to learn the “art of the forged blade†as it pertains specifically to the Brut de Forge Knife with its integral guard.
Students are to bring protective eyewear, at least two pairs of forge gloves (preferably more), a forging apron, sturdy shop shoes or boots. You will have access to hammers and tongs and tools, but if you have a favorite hammer, bring it. Do not wear nylon clothes or any fabric which melts or burns when hit by sparks or scale.
See biography of Joe Keeslar, Master Smith, at the ABS internet website at:
http://www.americanb...ail&user_id=233
For registration please contact Howard Tew at Haywood Community College at 828-565-4244 or email [email protected]
Registration Form Download:
Brut_de_Forge_registration_form.pdf
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
Send an email to Dan
Joe Keeslar is a great instructor. I can't see how it wouldn't be a good time and great learning experience!
Any other members here taking this class? I need to make hotel reservations and would prefer to stay at the same place as others taking the class are staying.
Steve Seib
Evansville, IN
