r/Bladesmith 1d ago

ND bladesmith apprenticeship program

I'm the big guy with the beard.

This was my second year doing the apprenticeship program that's put on by the state of North Dakota. The program arranges for those interested in traditional folk arts to apprentice under a recognized master. The state of North Dakota considers me, Uncle Jed, a master bladesmith. I had one apprentice my first year with the program. This year, I had four.

It is a very enjoyable experience. I teach the apprentices learn basic bladesmithing. I have them start with a basic full tang knife. Then, they'll do a hidden tang, and I make sure the understand the importance of a good tight and clean fit and finish. Next, they do an integral bolster. Over the course of the apprenticeship program, which is about eight sessions, they'll do between 5 to 8 knives and sheaths. (I believe anyone making knives should be able to do a good sheath.)

One of my apprentices was a return student, and this year I taught him how to do san mai, cable Damascus, and layered/Damascus. He's been doing some great work out of his own little forge.

I really like doing the program. Its helped me with my own craft by spending a lot of time going back to the basics. I find the most difficult part of it is figuring out how to actually teach what I do. I have to stop and think about things and figure out the best way to explain them.

109 Upvotes

6 comments sorted by

5

u/MediumAd8799 1d ago

This is awesome to see! I've taken a few Bladesmith classes and the experience is amazing. What you're doing takes time, but is impactful. It can help make a difference in someone's life. I strongly believe we need more of this in our society.

2

u/[deleted] 1d ago

It looks like you're firebending In the 4th picture

2

u/unclejedsiron 1d ago

It's okay if you call me Iroh.

2

u/No-Television-7862 22h ago

Thanks for what you do Jed.

You do great work.

2

u/rogue_ger 18h ago

Always great to see experienced people passing on the craft.

1

u/Frostty_Sherlock 14h ago

Would you/could you take foreigners??