Intro to Knife Skills (2-day class)

Oct 17, 2026
9:00 AM
—
5:00 PM

Location

Marine Mills Folk School 550 PINE ST, MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, MN 55047

Categories  Woodworking

Instructor  Fred Livesay

In this class, students will learn 10 to 14 different but essential knife grips and how to use them effectively while carving wood. In the process, you will become comfortable with the use of a knife, safely carving both away and towards yourself. Sharpening knives will be covered in some detail. This class emphasizes that knife skills are life skills, and students will increase their confidence with carving while making beginner-friendly projects such as a butter knife.

 

This two-day class will be interspersed with demonstrations of sharpening and the making of certain joints, finials, and other decorative techniques using green and dry wood. Come and learn to carve with joy and confidence!

 

The knife skills you learn in this class will prepare you for intermediate wood carving classes at MMFS. .

 

*Note this class runs over two days: Saturday, October 17, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday, October 18, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
 

 

About the Instructor: Fred Livesay

 

Your instructor will provide the following materials:


Students are asked to bring:

  • Mora carving knife, no. 106 or 120 (no chip carving, hunting, or Flexcut knives)
  • Pencils or gel pens
  • Your own sharpening equipment
  • Since your class runs over the lunch hour, we recommend you bring lunch or click HERE to learn about local eating opportunities. 

 

Skill Level

No experience required. This class requires some hand strength, such as that used to open a tight jar lid.

 

Age Requirement
Students ages 16 and older are welcome to attend this class. Ages 16-17 can register with parent permission (by email to info@marinemillsfolkschool.org).  

 

Location Details

Marine Mills Folk School

550 Pine St.

Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota 55047

 

Cost Details
Tuition: $125

Materials Fee: $25

Total Cost: $150

 

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible! If interested, you can find our cancellation policy here.