First, use your knife as a knife and not a pry-bar or screwdriver or hammer. All those tools are really cheap at Harbor Freight so don't use your expensive beautiful knife to do their job. If you break your knife from abuse, that's on you and you should not tell anyone, lest they mock your foolishness.

Carbon steel blades will rust if not properly cared for. NEVER put it in the dishwasher. Carefully wash by hand right after use and DRY IT. Give it a light coat of a food grade oil such as olive oil and safely store it. Store chef knives in a knife block or use a plastic blade sleeve. NEVER store it loosely in a drawer. Razor sharp knives can cut VERY easily, so keep the blade protected. Sheath knives should not be kept in a leather sheath long term. I know everyone does it, but if there is any moisture around, storing the knife in a leather sheath can cause it to rust. It should be stored in the protective zippered case it came in. Use the sheath for belt carry as intended. With proper care and use a carbon steel blade will develop a patina which adds to its charm and character.

Bring safety glasses, leather gloves, sturdy footwear which covers your toes and won't melt when hot sparks land on them. Bring a respirator mask to keep from breathing grinding dust. You can use the disposable kind. Bring any snacks or drinks you want. We usually go to a local diner for lunch, but you can bring your own if you want.

Full Circle Forge is located in Leona Valley, California, which is a rural area bordering west Palmdale in the high desert of North Los Angeles County.

Classes start at 9:00 AM and run to 4-5:00 PM or until we all finish what we started.

No. I do not accept orders for knives. I make knives I enjoy making and offer some for sale here on the website

One of the most common questions and one many knife makers despise, because it is often asked from a perspective of trying to figure out if the price being asked for a knife is "worth it." Judging the price of a knife by how many hours it takes to make it is not a fair way to do it, as it does not take into account the hours, or years it took to develop the skill to make it, cost of the tools and materials involved, or any of the consumable costs involved in bladesmithing, like electricity, propane, drill bits, abrasive belts, sand paper, adhesives, etc. How much do you think it costs Kershaw to develop and tool up to make a $100 knife? How many $100 knives do they have to sell to break even? Handmade knives are one of a kind; no two are exactly the same.

How long it takes me to make a knife depends on the size and complexity of the knife. It could be between 8 and 80 hours or more. I never start just one knife and work on it until it is done. I work on several at a time. I am fortunate that I do not have to make a living making knives, so I can take my time and enjoy the process.

A custom knife is a knife made as requested by the customer. "Can you make me a hunting knife forged from my Grandpa's old lawn mower blade with the handle made from the wood of my Grandma's rocking chair?" No, I do not do that. "What if I paid you $15,000?" OK. I mean everyone has their price. But generally, I do not take orders or do custom knives. I make what I enjoy making and offer some of those for sale.

I never say never, but probably not, maybe someday...I don't know, maybe. It's not a goal of mine right now. How's that for commitment?

It depends on the project and what is available. One of my favorites is 80CrV2, but I also use 1084, 1085, and 5160. My Damascus is usually 1084/15N20. The main thing is to start with known steel and not some random piece of junk steel; you know, like they often do on Forged in Fire. The most important part of the knife making process is the heat treat. If you do not know what kind of steel you have you can only guess at how it should be heat treated.