Knifemaking & Damascus Classes

Ray has been forging steel for over forty years.

  • ...smelting his own iron and steel for over twenty years. 

  • ...collecting and smelting his own copper and silver ore for more than ten years.

Ray is one of less than one hundred and fifty Master Smiths registered worldwide by the American Bladesmith society.  The American Bladesmith Society is the accepted worldwide standard for forging excellence.  Queen Elizabeth's armorer, James Jackson, came to the United States in 2001 to test for the coveted American Bladesmith Master stamp.  Both Mr. Jackson and Ray Rybar were successful that year.



Published Work

His work can be seen published between the covers of "Art of the Knife", by Joe Kertzman, and "Spirit of the Sword", by Steve Shackelford, as well as numerous monthly publications

Art of the Knife...
(out of print).

Spirit of the Sword…(out of print)
Scripture Damascus-DVD

Master Smith, Raymond Rybar

Instructor for the "Bill Pieh Resource for Metalwork"
at Pieh Tool Company, Inc.




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Intermediate Forging Level

In order to successfully participate in this workshop your overall forging skills must be intermediate-in other words, you are able to make a taper without making banana; you should have a minimum of 30 hours of instructional forging.  This should not the first time you've hit hot metal! This class is not suitable to first starting (first time) blacksmiths. You must have basic forging skills established in order to take this class. Consider taking a forging class with Pieh Tool first. (or other school; practicing via YouTube or other video or apprentice is great.)

The point is you must have your basic forging skills and terminology down. We are not able to teach this at the knifemaking class. If you do sign up, and disregarded this point, and are clearly struggling we may opt to dismiss you; or in the rare instance depending on the circumstances we may permit you to remain but you will essentially be on your own. We are sorry, there are no refunds for dismissed or drop out students. Eligible students who sign up deserve the instruction promised so they can finish their knife. This is not possible when we have an aspiring inexperienced smith needing attention. It is a waste of your money and can cause unneeded stress.  So please consider this before signing up.

Knifemaking Class

Pieh Tool
Student is expected to provide own handle material. We often have handle material available for sale.
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Goal: Forge and Complete one knife with handle

While this is a Beginner Knifemaking Class, it is not for beginner metalworkers. Forging skills are imperative in order too complete and enjoy this class. You  need not be an advanced smith but you need to have the basics down.

So sign up for our blacksmith class or one within an local association, or take a 6 hr video class, DVD4, with Randy McDaniel.

This is a basic Knifemaking class, which will cover metallurgy, forging, heat treating, grinding, and sharpening.  Each student will be required to bring their own handle material.  All other tools will be supplied by Pieh Tool Company.  Each student will be supplied with two pieces of carbon steel and will have the opportunity to make two full knives.

Handle Material, gloves, safety glasses, steel toed boots, etc., is the responsibility of the student. We will have all the available for purchase.

Pieh Tool Company past class participants include winners of televisions Knife Fight $20,000 competition, and ABS (American Bladesmith Society) coveted Journeyman's stamp.  References available upon request.

Knife Making class in Arizona with Ray Rybar.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 7 AM - 6 PM (1 Hour Lunch)


Item #: BPRFM-Knife

LEARN

  • Basic techniques of knife making
    Heat treating and tempering
    How to grind and shape a knife style of your choice
    How to shape and fit handle material of your choice
    How to rivet the handle

FACILITY IS WELL EQUIPPED

  • Propane Forges, a Coal Forge, Anvils and Vises
    Swage blocks
    Little Giant Power Hammer
    LJ 72" Sander/Grinder, Baldor Grinder/Sander
    Chop Saw
    Band Saw
  • Drill Press
    Angle Grinders
    Hydraulic Forging Press
    Lots of tools

TAKE HOME 1 KNIFE

You will forge, grind, heat treat and finish one knife complete with handle if you follow instructions.
Knifemaking Level is Beginner/Intermediate.

Cancellation Policy:
$100 is non-refundable. The remainder of the fees may be applied to another class within 14 days notice of class date. Cancellations after 14 days prior to class are not refundable or transferable. Pieh Tool has the right to cancel a class that is not full.

General Information:
We provide a complete workstation with gas forge, anvil, tools and vise. Students should bring their own handle material, a notebook and pen. Students are required to wear safety glasses, and ear protection. Pieh Tool has a full line of blacksmithing supplies available for purchase as well.

Coffee, donuts and water provided.

LODGING IN CAMP VERDE

SHUTTLE:
Daily shuttle service available to/from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and Camp Verde. For information call 928-282-2066 or view their website at www.sedona-phoenix.com

Name of service:

KNIFEMAKING WORKSHP
Level:

BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE