Filed under: August 2018 | Tags: American Agriculture, forging, Knife making, learning, skills, steel, Tiller's International
August 16, 2018
I had a great time last weekend at Tiller’s International in Scotts Michigan. I took their knife making class. Last year, I took two blacksmithing courses. This was just “continuing education” I guess. I learned a bunch of new stuff thanks to good instruction and hands on learning.
This very simple “clamp” in the photo above, became a good friend as I sanded and rubbed on the steel knife. I forged the blade from 5160 steel, then learned to grind and sand the blade into a functional piece.
We learned to fit a handle on the blade. I am pleased with my first attempt to make a knife, but I see imperfections that I will work on for the next one. This is a good blade… even if it did take me two full days to make it!
I even ventured into file work. I free handed the “X’s” into the back of the blade for my thumb to rest on. Again, I learned things that I will do different, but am satisfied by my efforts. I need to work a bit more on the finish…but… “It will cut” as they say.
Tiller’s International is an institution that strives to bring old, early American methods in farming and homesteading to poor countries. They build small agricultural equipment out of materials found in those poor countries, like rebar, shipping containers, and bicycle parts. They make hand tools and oxen pulled pieces as well.
The international part of the Tiller’s mission, is made possible by training learned from preserving America’s past. I am glad they share. Classes in timber framing, tool making, coopering, tin smithing, commercial barrel making from white oak staves, oxen and draft horse driving basics and more. Check out their website for classes and events at http://www.tillersinternational.org This non-profit organization can use your help, why not enrich your life while helping them out? It worked good for me as I was able to “steel away for the weekend!”
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RicelandMeadows 
Great job Ralph!!!
Comment by Lisa August 16, 2018 @ 9:50 amGood job! Fit and finish has always been a struggle for me. As your skills progress though, you will find that every knife you make will be the greatest thing you’ve ever created. Keep up the good work!
Comment by Chad and Maria from No Harm In Farmin August 17, 2018 @ 2:56 pmThank you Chad for your confidence in me. Yes, making a handle and all that goes with making the knife shine is hard exacting work. I do like it, so maybe there is hope!
Comment by ricelandmeadows August 21, 2018 @ 7:58 am