In this class, students will make a Norwegian bruk kniv, or farm knife – a tool meant for everyday use. This is a simple unadorned knife with no silver mountings on it or the sheath – a knife you won’t be afraid to use! Students will pick a blade and handle shape and learn the process of shaping the knife. Pattern-making is also taught to measure and make the sheath. Due to time constraints, you will not be forging blades in this class, but the instructor will provide laminated steel blades from bladesmiths in Norway and Denmark. Students will also have the option to use blades forged by KJ Groven, a Norwegian bladesmith and knifemaker from Rapid City, South Dakota.
Please Note: students of the Early style Laminated Knife Blade class with Tom Latatné happening at the Vesterheim forge July 21-23 (9:00 am-5:00 pm CT) are welcome to bring their blade to this class to finish and add handles.
This class is taught by Jon Roisen who is a third-generation Norwegian-American. Jon learned the craft of knifemaking from Gene Tokheim, Vesterheim Gold Medalist, who was taught by Havard Bergland in Norway. Jon started knifemaking in the mid-1990s and has been making knives ever since. Jon took over teaching Gene Tokheim’s knifemaking classes when he retired. He is a Vesterheim Gold Medalist in knifemaking and has taught many places.
Scholarships including local standby option are available. Find information here.
