Texarkana College- William Moran School of Bladesmithing - Washington, Arkansas
Well the Handles and Guards class set for September 29 - October 3rd is moving forward and it's time to ask questions or make comments about the things that we'll be doing or the things you might need.
One thing you will need is at least one FINISHED blade that is ready for the guard and handle. I realize that a lot of class attendees bring their blades but some are not finished and ready. There will be no time to address blade finishing so please, it is imperative that we spend our allotted time on the class curriculum.
That said, we will show and discuss fitting the guard to the blade, part of which is the guard shoulders. So, other than squaring the shoulders, please have a finished blade.
In my last class, some brought finished blade blanks that were purchased from a supplier with the reasoning that since their own forged blades were not finished it would be better to buy one than take time from the class for finishing. I think that is a good plan under the circumstances. The knowledge they take home will help them on their forged blades.
It's my hope that the students will come to the class with the goal of finishing at least one knife and do it with good fit and finish rather than to try to finish several knives with poor fit and finish. That pace is what I will be setting and I will adapt if you will. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
Please bring any chosen materials you have or you can pick from some basic materials at the school. I will be attempting to work on one of my knives' guard and handle along side of you but will obviously defer to you as you need assistance.
Suggestion: The area of blade finishing might be another whole class that should be considered in my opinion. It would fit well between Intro to Blade Forging and Handles and Guards.
Lin, good idea about that blade finishing class. We did some basic hand-sanding in the intro class, but it is indeed a blind spot for an apprentice when starting the "handles and guards".
We are lucky to have people like u, Nick Wheeler, Karl A., Steve C., Brion, MP....and all the others to explain a lot of things on WIPs and you-tube!
I'm certainly looking forward to it, and will have a blade or three ready.
Lin, I'm bringing files of all sorts, fixtures and jigs that I have already, epoxy, 416 stainless material, handle material, sandpaper, eye and breathing protection, but can you advise anything else you'd like us to bring to class???
The things that are hard to remember is the little things like pin punch, broaches, spring clamps, etc.. I think a quick look through Joe's book Handle and Guards will be a good reminder of what to bring. Today at the hammer in Mike Williams graciously presented us with some nice Walnut for us to use for handle material. That along with what we all bring will surely be plenty in that department.
If you are planning to use coupling nuts or using machine screws in the construction of your handle please bring them with you. Bring an extra in case the first one gets messed up.
This is what I think of now. I will add to it as I think of it. This discussion is very much still open so please speak up if you have suggestions. Students, please feel free to ask questions.
