BARRYTOWN KNIFE MAKING

Waiting for the furnance

Staying at a POP (park over property) in Rata Hill in Barrytown,  allowed me an opportunity to go next door to do “BARRYTOWN KNIFE MAKING” with 10 others who had also signed up for the day.

From 8.30am until 5pm we worked on our own knife creation with the help of the owners and tutors, Steve and Robyn. What a great couple they are and we enjoyed Steve’s wicked sense of humour.

Starting with a flat piece of steel about 400mm long x 50mm wide we heated the steel in a coal fired furnace( forge)until red hot. We then hammered the hot steel on an anvil until flat and into a rough shape of the Knife we wished to make.

Cooling a piece of steel
Feeding the furnace
Steel starting to take shape
Team at work on the different stages
Blade shaping
Glueing and pinning the brass to handle
Securing the pins to brass
Harwood Handle preparation
My Handle preparations
Handles ready for shaping-BUT-Lunchtime first
My first stage handle shape
Handle shaping
Knives ready for blade sharpening and polishing
Getting close now-mine is on the left
Knives complete-mine is 6th from the right-the small one
My knife, leather sheath and piece of my steel from the start of the creation

What a fun day we had. The time seemed to fly as we were so engrossed in the process. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea were provided. During a break one could try ninja star or axe throwing to a timber target, talk to the caged Parrots and drink in the fabulous view across farmland to the Tasman Sea.

Robyn and Peter
Peter Bonham

Picture of Peter Bonham

Peter Bonham

3 Comments

  • James Bonham

    Pete what a great accomplishment, your knife looks amazing, and what a wonderful momento of your travels.

  • Rod

    Hey Pete and Robyn great to see your most recent post on knife making. Also excellent on your listing “My Recent Posts” cause I have missed a few. Last I recall was “Over- Wintering at Kaiteriteri”. To be recommended from our few days there in early April 2021. While we are living it up in Salzburg, Budapest, Prague etc and tomorrow to Pilsner Urquell brewery in Plzen to taste their finest we are following your ventures in earnest. You are Trail blazing for when we get a camper and follow in your footsteps. Stay well and keep on with the postings. Best Regards from CZ- Rod and Dianne

  • Lois

    Hi Pete your site is looking fab, lot of really interesting info, that you have shared. Great photos
    Ciao Lois

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