Blacksmithing: Once Piece Knife

Get an understanding of the art form of bladesmithing by creating your own decorated simple knife, a style of blade forging that has been carried down throughout history. 
 
In this class, you will learn how to use our traditional coal forge, gain hammer and anvil techniques, and perfect the use of files and grinders. After you have crafted your knife, you will heat treat the metal for a hardened finish. Upon completion, you not only get to leave with an enhanced understanding of history, but you also get to take home your creation. All tools and materials are provided. Learn more about our historic classes.

 
This class is for individuals 13+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. 

Purchase Tickets

Fridays, February 7 and 14: 9 a.m.–Noon 
Fridays, March 14 and 21: 9 a.m.–Noon 

Location: Modern Blacksmith Shop, location #37 on map

Members: $90 | Nonmembers: $100 (Each session consists of two classes) 

About the Instructor

Nathan Allen was born and raised in Neosho, Missouri, in the Ozark Mountains. From a young age, I had an interest in history and working with my hands. From the time I was in grade school, I had developed a fascination with hand tools and making things in a traditional manner. By junior high, I rigged up a forge, made my own charcoal and began a lifelong interest in blacksmithing that led to an interest in teaching the craft. By High School Shop, I led a group of students in building a coal forge, hammering out, and finishing blades. 

Nathan earned a degree in historic preservation, with an emphasis in historic site administration from Southeast Missouri State University. Nathan’s professional career began as an intern in the Blacksmith Shop at Conner Prairie the summer of 1995. After graduating, he began working full time at Conner Prairie as the manager of the Historic Trades program. Along with blacksmithing, I am also a woodworker and have spent years teaching classes at Conner Prairie. 

Nathan has had the privilege of working directly with some great blacksmiths, including Melvin Lytton, Hershel House, Peter Ross, Tom Latane, Jim Slining, Steve Miller, Tom Clark and Clifton Ralph. His goal in historic trades is to pursue an uncomplicated approach to forging, stressing good ergonomics, proper hammer control and technique and foundational skills. Through his instruction, he has led many classes at Conner Prairie with the purpose that they can be enjoyed by those with just a passing curiosity for the craft or for those who are more serious in pursuing refinement of their skills.