Hi, I just got back from one of Dave Budds one to one courses and thought I would write a review, I am not conected to Dave in any way just a customer.
This is a three day one to one course, you get Daves full attention for three whole days, he dosent even stop to eat.
Day One
This is the day you forge the blade. The day starts with drawing the knife you wish to make on Daves black board (I chose to make a simple 4" drop point), lighting the forge and a talk about different fuels and forges. Then its all about the steel, carbon of course. Dave usually sellects the steel for you depending on experience and the type of blade you want to make. As the forging starts Dave forges a bit then you follow, I should mention out at this point that Dave make a knife aswell to the same drawing as yours. When you have forged the shape and style of blade you are after then you move on to the heat treatments. I wont go into detail here but you are walked through every step.
Day Two
Now that the blade is finished, but not sharpened. Its time to put the handle on, this can range from a simple stick tang to a fully shaped full tang.
I decided to cover my stick tang with Yew, Pear and leather. All the tools you could want are provided and yet again every step is talked through and demonstrated by Dave. After finishing the handle we left it to soak in linseed oil over night.
Day Three
If you decide to stay for the third day (its worth it) then its the day to make the sheath and sharpen the cutting edge. first you have to decide on the style of sheath you wish for your knife. I chose a pouch style for mine, Dave made the same for his knife to. The leather is wet formed and stained. Once the stiching is finished its time to sharpen the edge, the rough bevel is ground in lightly then its on to the water stones to refine the edge. Finally its stropped and you can test you finished knife!
This is the knife I made with Daves help.
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I have to say that I really enjoyed myself on this course and the knife is great well to my eyes.
Anyone thinking for going on this coure with Dave should give it a go I know you wont be disapointed, every part is made by you but there is no shortage of help and advice from Mr Budd. This is not one of those couses where the days are half full, this course is packed with teaching.
In conclusion I would have to say Top notch
Thanks Mark
This is a three day one to one course, you get Daves full attention for three whole days, he dosent even stop to eat.
Day One
This is the day you forge the blade. The day starts with drawing the knife you wish to make on Daves black board (I chose to make a simple 4" drop point), lighting the forge and a talk about different fuels and forges. Then its all about the steel, carbon of course. Dave usually sellects the steel for you depending on experience and the type of blade you want to make. As the forging starts Dave forges a bit then you follow, I should mention out at this point that Dave make a knife aswell to the same drawing as yours. When you have forged the shape and style of blade you are after then you move on to the heat treatments. I wont go into detail here but you are walked through every step.
Day Two
Now that the blade is finished, but not sharpened. Its time to put the handle on, this can range from a simple stick tang to a fully shaped full tang.
I decided to cover my stick tang with Yew, Pear and leather. All the tools you could want are provided and yet again every step is talked through and demonstrated by Dave. After finishing the handle we left it to soak in linseed oil over night.
Day Three
If you decide to stay for the third day (its worth it) then its the day to make the sheath and sharpen the cutting edge. first you have to decide on the style of sheath you wish for your knife. I chose a pouch style for mine, Dave made the same for his knife to. The leather is wet formed and stained. Once the stiching is finished its time to sharpen the edge, the rough bevel is ground in lightly then its on to the water stones to refine the edge. Finally its stropped and you can test you finished knife!
This is the knife I made with Daves help.
[http://
I have to say that I really enjoyed myself on this course and the knife is great well to my eyes.
Anyone thinking for going on this coure with Dave should give it a go I know you wont be disapointed, every part is made by you but there is no shortage of help and advice from Mr Budd. This is not one of those couses where the days are half full, this course is packed with teaching.
In conclusion I would have to say Top notch
Thanks Mark
