Make a kitchen knife

Over two days, a group of up to four students are guided by Rowan to create a unique, beautiful and high performing kitchen knife. Students gain an insight into and experience all aspects of the craft with a high level of detail and tuition.

The course focuses on the craft of the forged knife, with the first full morning dedicated to forging the blade. We use a Japanese pre laminated blank that features a shirogami (white paper) steel core which is made specifically for high performing edged tools and when worked and heat treated correctly, provides a very fine grained edge with excellent sharpening properties.

Processes:

  • Hand forge: Working the steel red hot on anvils with hammers.

  • Profile: Grinding the blade to shape, a range of kitchen knife templates are available for students to choose including a Japanese gyuto & bunka.

  • Heat treatment: Water quench and digital kiln temper.

  • Bevel grinding: Wide bevel grind to a fine edge ready for stone finishing.

  • Handle work: Shaping and detailing to suit your hand and use.

  • Bevel finish: Stone flattening and finishing bevels.

  • Sharpen: Standard sharpening progression and a more advanced thinning and micro bevel progression.

Cost:

  • Cost: $950.00 p/person

  • Deposit: A 25% deposit is required upon booking and the remainder due upon receipt of final invoice two weeks before course commencement.

  • Cancellation policy: We don’t offer cancellations but we are very happy to swap dates if needed or transfer your deposit to another person.

Details:

  • Address: The Mill, Shed 20 / 9 Walker St, Castlemaine Vic.

  • Time: 9.00am for a 9.15am start, through to about 4.00pm depending on progress.

  • Course size: We have a maximum of four participants per course which allows for a high level of tuition.

  • Minimum age: 16.

  • In the event that a course date falls on a high fire danger day, the course may need to be rescheduled.