Bladesmithing 101
A beginner-friendly series breaking down every aspect of knife-making — from choosing your first tools to mastering heat treatment.
These lessons are designed to help new makers build confidence step by step, with practical guidance on tools, steel selection, forging basics, and safe workshop habits.
Bladesmithing 101 is for beginners, hobbyists, and hands-on learners who want real-world instruction from the forge. From Johnstown, Ohio, Andy shares what works in the shop to help you avoid common mistakes and make steady progress.
Lesson 1
The Essential Tools You Need to Start Bladesmithing
New to bladesmithing and don't know where to start? This first installment of Bladesmithing 101 breaks down every essential tool you need to get forging without emptying your wallet.
Posted December 10, 2025
Lesson 2
The Best Steels for New Bladesmiths
New to bladesmithing? Learn beginner-friendly blade steel picks (like 1084 and 5160), what to avoid, and why known steel beats mystery scrap.
Posted January 7, 2026
Lesson 3
Planning Can Save Your Steel
Before you fire up the forge, you need a plan. This Bladesmithing 101 lesson covers blade profiles, tangs, handle ergonomics, and how to draw your first knife template.
Posted January 26, 2026
Lesson 4
Cutting and Shaping Your First Blade
Ready to turn that piece of steel into a knife? In this fourth installment of Bladesmithing 101, we cover cutting, profiling, and drilling your blade to prepare it for heat treating.
Posted February 20, 2026
Lesson 5
The Complete Guide to Heat Treating Your Blade
Ready to turn that piece of steel into a functional knife? In this fifth installment of Bladesmithing 101, we break down normalizing, annealing, quenching, and tempering.
Posted March 25, 2026
Lesson 6
Grinding Bevels and Edge Geometry
Ready to put an edge on your project? In this sixth installment of Bladesmithing 101, we cover edge geometry, center lines, body mechanics, and belt progression to grind perfect bevels.
Posted April 17, 2026
Lesson 7
Hand Sanding Basics and Final Finishes
Hand sanding might be the least glamorous part of bladesmithing, but it is an absolute necessity. Lesson 7 covers budget-friendly tools, techniques, and grit progressions for a clean 400-grit satin finish and maker's mark.
Posted April 30, 2026
Lesson 8
Handle Scales and Contouring
A well-fitted handle transforms a piece of steel into a functional tool. Lesson 8 covers flattening scales, pin fitting, epoxy glue-up, and contouring—without the common beginner mistakes that ruin a finished blade.
Posted April 23, 2026