Viking Knife Class 2025

Instructor: Peter Ellison

Viking Knife

Class Description: This class’s goal is to introduce a smith to working with wrought iron and in the process make a couple of small projects: a hook and a small forge welded whittle tang knife that would have been common throughout the Viking era and beyond.  In the morning we will be getting used to working with wrought iron by drawing out some bar stock and making a hook.  In the afternoon forge welding high carbon steel to a bar of iron and then drawing out a tang and the blade to make a small forge welded knife.  Time permitting, burn in a handle and heat treat the knife.
The skill level for the class is anyone who can maintain a coal fire, work with tongs to draw out material, minimal scrolling, moderate hammer control, forge welding experience is not required.  The class is not designed to be the first smithing experience.
Class size: Maximum students:          8          Minimum students: 3

Tools and Equipment or other items participants are to bring to the class:

• ½” or ⅝” V bit tongs (able to grab ⅜” to ⅝” round and square stock)
• ¼” V bit tongs (able to grab ¼“ round and square stock)
• Forging hammer
• Light weight forging hammer
• Course Wire Brush

Safety Equipment: the usual for forging with coal: gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, clothing of natural fiber with no cuffs or fraying, and leather boots or shoes. Note that wrought iron is worked very hot and there will be a lot of scale.

To register online, go to The Guild of Metalsmiths website, https://www.metalsmith.org/education
Or to mail in a check, contact the class manager, email your address and phone number (do not list personal address) for additional information and to reserve your place.