Learn Practical Skills

Follow along with Australian knifemaker Barry Gardner as he walks you through the entire knifemaking process using the stock removal method. Clear demonstrations, no fluff — just real skills you can use in your own shed or workspace.

No Forge Required — Just Simple Tools and Materials

This course is designed around accessibility. You'll use affordable tools like angle grinders, belt sanders, and a household oven — perfect for beginners and makers without a forge.

Create a Fully Functional, High-Quality Knife

By the end of the course, you’ll have your own carbon steel knife — designed, ground, heat-treated, handled, and sharpened by you. Whether it’s for the kitchen, outdoors, or your collection, this is a knife you’ll be proud to use or give.

About the Course

Learn to create a high-performance carbon steel knife using the stock removal method — no forge required. This course takes you step-by-step through the entire process, from design to sharpening, with expert guidance and real workshop techniques. Whether you're new to knifemaking or looking to sharpen your skills, you'll learn: How to choose the right steel and materials Grinding, shaping, and heat treating techniques Fitting and finishing a timber or composite handle Sharpening and polishing your finished blade Taught by Australian bladesmith Barry Gardner of Gardner Knives, this course is designed for all skill levels and focuses on practical methods you can do in a home workshop.

Meet Your Mentor

Bladesmith. Teacher. Practical Craftsman. Barry Gardner is a self-taught Australian knifemaker with over 20 years of experience and the founder of Gardner Knives — a family-run business built on quality craftsmanship and a love for handmade blades. Over the past 13 years, Barry has taught more than 4,000 students face-to-face in hands-on knifemaking workshops across Australia. His approach is honest, practical, and focused on giving students the skills and confidence to make a knife they’ll be proud of. In this course, Barry brings that same workshop energy to your screen — guiding you step-by-step through the stock removal method using tools and techniques you can use in your own shed. Whether it’s your first knife or your fiftieth, Barry’s clear instruction and deep experience will help you sharpen your skills — and your steel.

Course Curriculum

16 Chapters · 16 Lessons

  1. 1

    Chapter 1: Introduction

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome to the Forge

  2. 2

    Chapter 2: Safety First

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      PPE for Working with Blades, Heat & Tools

  3. 3

    Chapter 3: Assumed Equipment

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Tools and Equipment You'll Need to Get Started

  4. 4

    Chapter 4: Material Choices

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Choosing Your Steel and Handle Materials

  5. 5

    Chapter 5: Design

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Designing Your Knife

  6. 6

    Chapter 6: Grinding and Shaping

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Profiling the Blade

  7. 7

    Chapter 7: Heat Treatment

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Heat Treating Your Carbon Steel Knife

  8. 8

    Chapter 8: Grinding the Bevel

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Bevel Grinding Techniques

  9. 9

    Chapter 9: Handle Selection

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Choosing and Preparing Your Handle

  10. 10

    Chapter 10: Guard Fitting

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Fitting the Guard or Bolster

  11. 11

    Chapter 11: Gluing

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Gluing and Clamping the Handle

  12. 12

    Chapter 12: Handle Grinding

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Shaping the Handle

  13. 13

    Chapter 13: Polishing the Handle

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Finishing and Polishing the Handle

  14. 14

    Chapter 14: Sharpening the Blade

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Sharpening for a Razor Edge

  15. 15

    Chapter 15: Alternative Materials

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Exploring Alternative Materials and Styles

  16. 16

    Final Steps and Care

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Maintenance and Care Tips

Real feedback from students  who’ve taken Barry’s knifemaking courses

Discover how Barry's tuition can help you enjoy the process of creating a knife of your own. 

”
"Well I may have just (with help!) made the most beautiful knife ever... 1000 thanks to master craftsman and genuine lovely person [Barry Gardner]"
Jennie S.

Australia

Hi Barry, 7 years ago my 12 year old son and I had a knifemaking day with you and loved it. I use my knife daily, my son is saving his for goodness knows when lol. He's now a boilermaker welder apprentice in Adelaide and adores it. Thanks for contributing to his love of designing and making stuff. Kind regards,
Wendy B.

Australia

”
Hi Barry, thanks for the course over the last couple of days. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for passing on your knowledge. I used the knife tonight, cutting up chicken and vegetables and it was amazing to use. Thanks.
Scott M.

Australia

Ready to Get Started?

Join 4,000+ students who’ve learned to make knives with Barry — and see what you can create. Whether you're brand new to knifemaking or looking to sharpen your technique, this course gives you everything you need to craft a high-quality blade using the stock removal method — no forge required. 🎯 Learn proven techniques from a maker who’s taught over 4,000 students 🛠️ Work with tools you already have (or can easily get) 🔪 Create a knife you’ll be proud to use, gift, or keep for life Join now and start building your blade today.

Enroll Now