A good meal brings people together and gives us the nourishment we need to carry out our daily lives. In order to prepare a good meal, you need a good kitchen knife.  It is essential to how fast the chopping gets done – and how enjoyable the work is.  Having a handmade knife can make all the difference!

Over the course of two days, students will craft their very own chef knives. The first day of class will be dedicated to forging, heat treating, and rough-grinding the chef knife blades. On the second day, students will fit and shape wooden handles for their blades and learn the basics of how to sharpen their knives.

Students must wear closed-toed shoes, have hair tied, a hat or bandana (recommended), and long pants. Wear natural-fibered clothing and avoid synthetic fabrics.

Skill Level: Beginner
Minimum Age: 16+
Max Number of Students: 4
Time: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (lunch 12-1 pm)
Lunch: 1 PM -2 PM
Workshop Fee: $550
Date: Saturday & Sunday, July 11-12, 2026

About the Instructor:

Jordan LaMothe began pursuing his interest in blacksmithing at age 14, taking a class, reading books, and setting up his own forge in his parents’ barn. His interest in making hand tools led him to make his first knife two years later, and knives quickly became his primary focus. After receiving his B.A. in music from Williams College, Jordan began bladesmithing full-time. He makes a wide variety of knives and swords, from “user” knives for the kitchen and field to presentation blades, and teaches regularly at several craft schools. Jordan earned the Master Smith ranking in the American Bladesmith Society in 2021 and was a champion on History Channel’s bladesmithing competition Forged in Fire, season 4, episode 7. Most recently, he has returned from a 9-month Fulbright grant, studying traditional weapon-making techniques in Rajasthan, India.

http://jordanlamothe.com/

There is a 25% cancellation fee for all workshops and classes if requested with two or more weeks’ prior notice. Deposits and payments are nonrefundable within two weeks of the scheduled start date. At your request, we can give you full credit towards a future class or workshop instead of a cash refund.