Staying Sharp With The 13th Annual BLADE University.

Knifemaking is a never-ending journey of exploration and learning, making the 13th Annual BLADE University a must-attend event. Delving into topics from up leveling your knife business acumen to unveiling the secrets of new knife steel and leather sheath creation, the U is where you get your PhD in sharps.

BLADE University runs in conjunction with the 45th Annual BLADE Show, June 5-9 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. However, there are some wrinkles to where the classes will be held this year. Given the convention center is undergoing renovations, all BLADE U classes have been moved to rooms in the adjoining Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel.

BLADE University assembles some of the world’s best knifemakers, bladesmiths and other cutlery and steel professionals to teach a wide range of subjects for the knife user, knifemaker, knife hobbyist, knife entrepreneur, knife designer, knife aficionado and novice alike. If you love knives or are just beginning to, BLADE University has a topic for you. The complete course schedule, with subjects, teachers, times and venues:

Thursday, June 5

• The Art of Selling, Tom Krein, 4-5 p.m., Wilton Room—A long-time maker of utilitarian fixed blades and folders, Tom Krein will outline what a knifemaker who is serious about selling knives should do and how he/she should behave behind a knife show exhibitor table. Table etiquette, sales and customer relations strategies and more are just some of the subjects Tom will cover. The class will be held the day before the BLADE Show begins so attendees can put some of Tom’s recommendations into practice during the main event Friday through Sunday.

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Friday, June 6

• Pro-Critique Panel, Rick Dunkerley/Karis Fisher/ Richard Rogers/Mike Quesenberry, Noon-1 p.m., Wilton Room—Have a panel of award-winning knifemakers share their decades of knowledge and experience in critiquing your custom knife. An expert panel to include: Rick Dunkerley, Karis Fisher, Mike Quesenberry and Richard Rogers, will go over every square inch of your knife and tell you what is good about it, what is not and how you can make it better. Bring one knife only. Questions from attendees will be entertained throughout.
• Damascus Appreciation, Mareko Maumasi, Noon-1 p.m., Grand Ballroom 3—Mareko Maumasi will break down the processes for developing numerous damascus patterns, helping makers and collectors alike appreciate the skill and talent required to create the most unique and enigmatic patterns in the world.
• Why Does It Look Wonky?, Evan Nicolaides/Daniel Keown, 1-2 p.m., Grand Ballroom 4—Award winning custom slipjoint makers Evan Nicolaides of Esnyx Knives and Daniel Keown provide insight on slipjoint design theory from modern and traditional perspectives, and how to strive for a timeless design.
• Factors that Affect Edge Retention, Larrin Thomas, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 3—Edge retention can be one of the most mysterious aspects of knives. Which factors are most important? Dr. Larrin Thomas delves into the effects of edge geometry, sharpening, steel type, heat treatment and more. Not only will he discuss this important and often misunderstood facet of knives, but he’ll also present results of real experiments on the topic. Even end users can greatly improve edge retention by optimizing sharpening and geometry. The good doctor will show how.
• Leveling Up As A Knifemaker, Jason Knight, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 4—Led by Jason Knight, the seminar covers essential steps for improving the craft through bladesmithing, stock removal or hybrid methods. Beyond the workbench, the discussion addresses the business of knives, detailing effective marketing and identifying the best sales venues. Attendees will learn to streamline production and position their work to attract serious buyers, providing a guide to turning a passion for knifemaking into a professional venture.
• Hands-on Sharpening, Work Sharp, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Wilton Room—Join Work Sharp for a hands-on class that teaches the fundamentals of knife sharpening. They’ll break down the science behind the edge, covering angles, abrasives and grit progression. Then, you’ll get time to practice sharpening your own knife using a Work Sharp-provided sharpener. Bring a favorite (non-serrated) blade and learn to create a razor-sharp edge with confidence. Work Sharp’s expert instructors will guide you step by step—so you leave with sharp skills and sharper knives.
• Leather Sheaths: Crafting World-Class Sheaths The SoulBound Way, Sarah Blakeley, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 4—A world-class blade deserves more than a generic carry system. Join Sarah Blakeley, the professional force behind SoulBound Leather, to elevate your cutlery with elite leatherwork. This masterclass strips away the guesswork of construction, teaching you the mechanical foundations of a perfect carry. Learn to select ideal hides and accurately measure any knife profile for a secure, “click-fit” every time. From high-end finishing to durable hand-stitching, Sarah provides the blueprint for heirloom-quality results that complement the world’s premier blades.

Saturday, June 7

• Elevating Your Handle Appearance: Spine Filework, Handle Shapes, and Pin Placement, Kyle Daily, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Grand Ballroom 1—Enhance the appearance of your knife with unique features that go far beyond standard production models! Knifemaker Kyle Daily from KHDaily Knives guides you through the intricate art of filework on the spine, while also sharing insights into handle design and the pin placement on your handle. Discover Kyle’s preferred files and specialized equipment for crafting his five most popular filework patterns, ensuring your knife not only looks exceptional but also feels comfortable and functional. From laying out your pattern to a step-by-step tutorial, this class provides the essential knowledge to achieve a professional and eye-catching finish. A Q&A session at the end will ensure you leave with the skills and knowledge to take your knifemaking to the next level. Your customers will undoubtedly be impressed, asking, “WOW! How did you do that?”
• Frame Handle Knife Construction (Discussion & Technical Presentation), Mike Quesenberry, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Grand Ballroom 2—This class is a discussion-based seminar supported by a detailed PowerPoint presentation designed for makers looking to elevate their knife-making skills. This course shows the process from beginning to end, while exploring proper sequencing and design considerations that define a well-constructed frame handle knife. Students will leave with a clear conceptual roadmap for executing frame handle construction in their own shops, along with a deeper understanding of the discipline and design philosophy behind this method.
• The Art of Discovery, Steve Schwarzer, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Grand Ballroom 1—Join ABS master smith Steve Schwarzer for an exploration of the invention process and the evolution of modern pattern welding. This seminar offers a rare look into the methodology Schwarzer used to pioneer techniques currently utilized by bladesmiths worldwide. A central highlight is the discovery of 3D-printed damascus, a breakthrough born from a 1980s technical error and realized through collaborative research. Attendees will learn to adapt industrial-scale concepts for a home shop, repurposing existing tools to achieve high-level results. Beyond the technical, Schwarzer will lead a forum on the ethics of sharing ideas, professional trust, and the necessity of proper attribution. This session is designed for makers who believe we have only just scratched the surface of damascus as an art form.
• Designing Knives – Philosophy, Tools, and Inspiration, Jens Anso, 11:30-12:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 2—Award-winning knifemaker Jens Anso shares his approach to knife design, including how he thinks about form and function, the tools he uses and where he finds inspiration. With decades of experience in the industry, he’s developed a clear design philosophy that balances aesthetics, ergonomics and real-world usability. He explains his workflow, from sketching and CAD modeling, to prototyping and refining details. His goal is to provide insight into the design process and share practical takeaways for makers and enthusiasts who want to push their work further.
• The Last 10%: Where Good Knives Fail and Great Knives Begin, Neels van den Berg, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 1—Warning: This talk will permanently ruin how you look at your own knives. The difference between good and great is not talent. It is the last 10 percent, and most makers lose it without even realizing it. Your lines drift. Your transitions soften. Your symmetry lies to you. And you call it done. ABS Master Smith Neels van den Berg dissects the subtle inconsistencies in geometry, flow and finish that quietly separate respectable work from undeniable craftsmanship. You will learn why makers plateau, how to spot the blind spots you have trained yourself to ignore, and how to build a ruthless system that forces your work to level up. If you are comfortable with good enough, skip this. If you want your knives to stand out in a room full of makers, show up ready to have your standards reset.
• Damascus Pattern Flow, Mareko Maumasi, 2-3 p.m., Grand Ballroom 1—Mareko Maumasi discusses his approach to anticipating mosaic damascus pattern expansion as well as various blade forging techniques that can be used to influence material flow to enhance the presentation of Damascus patterns.
• Hands on Sharpening, Work Sharp, 2:15-3:15 p.m., Wilton Room—Join Work Sharp for a hands-on class that teaches the fundamentals of knife sharpening. They’ll break down the science behind the edge, covering angles, abrasives, and grit progression. Then, you’ll get time to practice sharpening your own knife using a Work Sharp-provided sharpener. Bring a favorite (non-serrated) blade and learn to create a razor-sharp edge with confidence. Their expert instructors will guide you step by step—so you leave with sharp skills and sharper knives.
• What is Coming Next for Knife Steel?, Larrin Thomas, 4-5 p.m., Grand Ballroom 1—What is possible for knife steel in the future? Dr. Larrin Thomas will look at what is next. New knife steel continues to be released, including Dr. Thomas’ MagnaMax, a steel in the same family as MagnaCut that boasts a higher edge retention. Dr. Thomas will discuss what new steels are worth looking into for knifemakers and knife buyers. He’ll also explore which existing knife steels are still underrated.

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