Forged BushCraft Knife
with
Ted King
Class runs: March 17-20
Tuition: $575
Material Fee: $70
Skill level: Beginner and up
Heat Source: Gas Forges
In this 4 day class our goal will be to forge and finish a Ray Mears style bushcraft knife in carbon steel and make a high quality Kydex sheath. The knife will feature a mildly tapered full tang, ~4” drop point blade, and micarta scales with Corby bolts and a lanyard hole. This class is geared towards seasoned beginners who have already forged and finished a knife. We will be focusing on clean forging, clean grinds, and intermediate handle construction techniques.
A bushcraft knife, according to Ray Mears, is a versatile, durable, and well-designed blade used for survival and outdoor skills. It is typically characterized by its full tang construction, a robust and sharp blade made from high-quality steel, and a durable handle that provides a secure grip. Ray Mears emphasizes that a bushcraft knife should be suitable for a wide range of tasks such as carving, preparing food, making tools, and other wilderness survival activities. The knife’s design reflects traditional and practical features that allow for efficient and safe use outdoors.
Ted joined the NESM team in September of 2022 with the goals of strengthening the school presence in the busy world of craft education. As a past alumni of both the Blacksmithing and the Welding courses, and an avid Bladesmith, Ted joins NESM with a deep passion for the craft and a desire to both contribute to the school’s mission and grow alongside it into the future. Ted is fascinated by the simple beauty of practical edged tools and believes that all great tools are informed by the intersection of form and function. He has been making knives since 2018 at his home based shop and hopes to learn and improve every day.