Intro to Knife Making

Basic Knife Making Class – What to Expect

The Kansas Custom Knifemakers Association (KCKA) is offering a hands-on Basic Knife Making Class designed for beginners. Over three Saturdays, students will learn the entire process of creating a knife from design to forging or stock removal, heat-treating, handle construction, sharpening, and making a custom leather sheath.

What You’ll Learn

Participants move through six phases of instruction that cover:

Day 1

Design – Choose a knife style from one of the provided templates and learn the fundamentals of blade geometry.
Forging and/or stock removal – Shape your blade using either traditional forging techniques and/or grinding.
Grinding & Heat Treating – Refine the blade profile, establish bevels, and harden/temper the steel.

Day 2

Handle fitting – Fit and install a guard, shape the handle, and finish it to your preference.
Sharpening – Put a final, usable edge on your knife.

Day 3

Leather sheath making – Cut, mold, stitch, dye, and finish a custom sheath that fits your completed knife.

What KCKA Provides

KCKA supplies everything you need, including:

Experienced instructors
All tools, equipment, and workspace
Materials: 1075 high-carbon steel and guard/pin stock NOTE: Handle material will not be provided
Consumables: grinding belts, sandpaper, glue, propane, finishing products
Safety equipment

Who Can Attend

MUST be a member of the KCKA. Join here
Students 18+, or 14+ with a parent/guardian
All participants must sign a liability waiver before class begins
No prior experience required
Class Limited to 10 students

Course Philosophy

This class introduces students to both forging and stock removal knife making as practiced by KCKA and the American Bladesmith Society. The goal is to build a solid foundation of skills, confidence, and understanding whether you plan to continue as a hobbyist, pursue professional work, or simply try something new.

Please reach out to Grant Nabity by emailing nabityknives@gmail.com with any questions.