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Knifemaking at the Tryon Arts and Crafts Forge with Gerry Drew

Saturday, February 6, 8am-5pm, and Sunday, February 7, 12-5pm

On Saturday, February 6th and Sunday, February 7th, Tryon Arts and Crafts will hold a knifemaking workshop with bladesmith Gerry Drew. The goal of this class is to bring the student to a basic understanding of knife design and workmanship at the forge. Students will be forging a hunting knife blade with attention to creating a good working tool with a pleasant design. They will learn to forge, heat treat, temper and grind a knife blade that can be attached to a bone, antler or wood handle.

Instructor Gerry Drew has been making knives for over 25 years using the stock removal method (start with a flat piece of steel and grind off everything that doesn’t look like a knife). Recently, after attending a forging class at Tryon Arts and Crafts, he developed an interest in the forged knife. Drew says, “Forging gives a person much more flexibility in designing and building a knife. There are bends, twists and tapers that would never be possible with stock removal.” Drew’s knives are hard working tools that have been used all over the world by hunters, fishermen, and campers. A good number of his knives are purchased by collectors who are only interested in the art of his knives and never cut a thing.

The workshop will run Saturday from 8am-5pm and Sunday noon to 5pm. Students need to bring protective eyewear, leather gloves, and earplugs (if desired) and should wear leather shoes and old clothes.

Advance registration is required. To register, please call Tryon Arts and Crafts at (828) 859-8323. Workshop fee ($185/$195) is due at the time of registration. Additional materials fees will be assessed at the start of the workshop. Spaces will not be held without advance payment. Payments can be made at or mailed to Tryon Arts & Crafts, 373 Harmon Field Road, Tryon, NC, 28782. Credit card payments can be made in person or over the phone. Space is limited so register early!

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