Making the Sloyd Knife with Fred Livesay

A carving or “slöyd” knife is a must-have tool for any craftsperson, but a personalized slöyd knife is when you really know you’ve arrived! Students will turn a block of wood into a beautiful and comfortable custom carving knife. We will begin by learning to properly fit a knife blade to a handle. Once learned, this skill translates easily to other tools. We will also cover sharpening and edge maintenance. This course requires moderate hand strength, such as being able to open a jar.  Youth, ages 14-15, may register if accompanied by an adult. Adult/child pairs will complete two projects and pay two materials fees. Photo Credit: Barbara Shaterian Photography Fred Livesay made his first spoon at age seven and has focused his life and career on traditional handwork ever since. He trained formally as a wheelwright and carriage-builder and then went on to study Scandinavian folk art with Marion Nelson, as well as decorative arts and art history, eventually receiving an M.A. in museum studies. Thirty-five years of teaching and studying in the United States, Sweden, and England give him a clear understanding of the joy handmade objects bring to everyday living; the healing art of craft; and the meditative connection between head, hands, and heart. Fred is a founding instructor of North House Folk School and of the Spoon Gathering in Milan, Minnesota. Fred is a sought-after teacher of craft nationally and internationally. Vesterheim offers a 60% discount for in-person class tuition on a space-available standby basis to any year-round resident living within 50 miles of Vesterheim. Students will be notified about the availability of an opening in the class 21 days before the starting date of the class period. Discounts do not include materials fees. If local area residents want a guaranteed place in a class, they must pay regular class tuition. The local standby option is supported by Decorah’s Depot Outlet.