Damascus Workshop March 14-15, 2026

Instructors Paul Widenhoefer, Brendan Stevens, Justin Klejeski

Are you interested in learning how to make Damascus- that pattern welded steel with the cool designs that you see on many high-end knives? We will be offering a workshop open to a limited number of people (4-6) that will go over such things as steel selection, the preparation needed, the welding process, building a basic pattern and etching your steel billet. This workshop will be utilizing power hammers to weld and draw out the steel. Because of this, we ask all students to come with a moderate level of smithing experience. Paul, Justin, and Brendan have been teaching knife making classes with the Guild for over a decade. We’re running this independent of the Guild classes, but it is open to all Guild members and the blade smithing/blacksmithing community. You should come out of the workshop with a Damascus billet big enough for some blades or other small projects and the knowledge to start your next billet, as well as the option to make a small Japanese style knife.

Cost $125/person, with possibly an additional charge to be finalized at the end of the workshop. The cost is to cover materials used (steel, abrasives, propane, etc.). Contact Paul to arrange payment.

Please contact Paul with questions or to sign up: 
Email pwidenhoefer@gmail.com
Text msg: 612-408-5007

Workshop will be held at Brendan Steven’s place:  4764 118 St SW, Waverly, MN 55390