Making knives with children, what could go wrong?

For many kids, the idea of crafting a knife is a cherished dream, a rite of passage harkening back to simpler times when knives were essential tools, handmade to fit the user’s hand perfectly. They were not bought from a catalog or online but were custom-crafted to meet specific needs, or in my case handed down through generations.

Today, a group of seven children experienced this age-old tradition. They previously last term hand-forged knives from reclaimed steel, taking pride in every step, and today they came together to finish the handling process.

Getting to experience the in-depth details of what goes into and the skills required to finish there knives.

Once the blades were ready, they turned their attention to making handles from reclaimed silver birch and Australian redwood.

The process involved cutting branches to size, sanding, drilling, glueing , and more sanding until the handles were just right. The children were deeply invested in the craftsmanship and the satisfaction of completing their own unique tools.

Throughout the day, the activities were varied with sausage sizzles, axe throwing, and general mayhem adding to the excitement.

Getting to take home a hand forged knife that will last a life time !

What an awesome day! And what a privilege !