Culinary Knives Woodworking Class

With David Shih

You do not need to take any of our Woodworking Fundamentals classes including Woodworking I, II, or III in order to take this class. No experience is required.

Create a professional quality chef's knife built to last a lifetime, whether for yourself or as a gift. In this hands-on artisan knife making workshop, you'll craft your own custom knife handle using a provided high-quality blade, starting from raw hardwood and working through each step with the care and precision of traditional knife-making techniques. You'll learn essential woodworking skills as you shape, sand, and finish the handle until it fits perfectly in your hand. Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make:

• A custom fit hardwood handle for a chef's knife blade blank.

• You will be provided with a high-quality forged knife blank, raw hardwood, 6mm brass pins, and all the necessary supplies.

• The instructor will guide you step-by-step on how to roughly cut and shape the raw hardwood, pin the handle scales (the two pieces that form the handle), and perform final shaping and finishing.

• The knife blade blanks we provide are crafted from a premium grade of stainless steel, chosen for a good balance of edge retention, rust-resistance and easy sharpening.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

• Essential woodshop safety with a focus on the tools listed below

• Using your own body as a measuring tool

• Wood shaping and sanding techniques

• Applying a food-safe oil finish

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

• Table saw, Band Saw / Scroll Saw, Drill press, Spindle Sander, Belt Sander

Class Outline:

1. Introduction & Safety Overview: Woodshop rules, project plan, and safe tool use.

2. Demonstration: Instructor demonstrates each step of the project, from breaking down lumber for handle scales to rough cutting and pinning.

3. Hands-On Practice: Students work alongside the instructor to attach the scales to the knife blank, then shape and sand their handles with guidance and feedback.

4. Wrap-Up: Applying a food-safe oil finish, care instructions, and Q&A.

Other Class Details:

• Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

• Class Capacity: 8 maximum, 4 minimum

• Materials Provided?: Yes

• Age Limit: 13+. Guardian required if under 18 (info)

• Partner Ticket Available?: Yes

• Available for a Private Class?: Yes (info)

• Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Comfortable well fitted clothing, close-toed shoes, put your hair up, and be prepared to get a little dirty.