Knifesmithing: Building the Hand-Forged Knife

Knife forging dates back thousands of years. Learn about the history of the hand-forged knife in the nineteenth century and the creation of a traditional hand-forged knife. We will talk about topics like why proper steel selection is important and guide you to properly use a coal forge and anvil for your steel to take shape. 

During this five-session workshop, you can expect to complete at least one knife. When signing up, please make sure you can attend all classes in this workshop to get the full experience. Guests must supply their own 120 grit sandpaper, an 8 or 10-inch, half-round file with handle, and a 10 or 12-inch flat file with handle. Learn more about our historic classes.

This class is for individuals ages 16 and up.  

Purchase Tickets

Monday evenings, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
Classes for this program are as follows:

• February 24 
• March 3 
• March 10 
• March 17 
• March 24 

Location: Modern Blacksmith Shop, location #37 on map

Members: $285 | Nonmembers: $315 

About the Teacher

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.