Bladesmithing: Forging a Knife

Teacher: Kristjan Tuuleveski

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Kristjan Tuuleveski is a fifth-generation blacksmith. He made his first knife with his grandfather at the age of 6. He became acquainted with forging about 25 years ago when his father bought a smithy in memory of his forefathers. Kristjan studies blacksmithing at the UT Viljandi Culture Academy and works daily in the blacksmith's workshop at Õisu Manor. In recent years, he has focused on making Damascus steel and knives. See his work on Facebook and Instagram.

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This type of knife comes from Scandinavian areas and is known as the "Viking knife". It was a simple tool which was quick to make and practical, mainly used by women in the household. The knife was used for skinning animals as well as chopping brushwood.

The workshop will be preceded by a lecture on the history of the knives and the materials, including how the bone shard became a knife, different types and uses of knives, and blade construction – the forming and production of different metal blades.

The practical part of the workshop introduces techniques of knife making, anvil usage and material processing. This is followed by heat treatment of the knife, including hardening and annealing, sharpening and finishing. At the end of the course, a Viking Knife will be completed.

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The fee includes the metal for forging the knife and the use of tools on site. During the workshop, participants should wear clothes made from natural, non-synthetic fibers, and footwear should protect the whole foot.

The course is suitable for both beginners and advanced students.