Carving Basics: How to Sharpen Your Tools with Fred Livesay

“Get the Edge” might be another appropriate title for this course! Chisels, planes, gouges, knives, scissors, spokeshaves, and more—these tools of the trade function at their best when the cutting edge is truly prepared for business.

This comprehensive overview of sharpening will help you understand the types of cutting edges, characteristics of steel, tempering, and the difference between grinding and honing through a series of demonstrations and hands-on applications. Power sharpening and hand sharpening will be explored. 

Fred Livesay made his first spoon at age seven and has focused his life and career on traditional handwork ever since. He trained formally as a wheelwright and carriage-builder and then went on to study Scandinavian folk art with Marion Nelson, as well as decorative arts and art history, eventually receiving an M.A. in museum studies. Thirty-five years of teaching and studying in the United States, Sweden, and England give him a clear understanding of the joy handmade objects bring to everyday living; the healing art of craft; and the meditative connection between head, hands, and heart. Fred is a founding instructor of North House Folk School and of the Spoon Gathering in Milan, Minnesota. Fred is a sought-after teacher of craft nationally and internationally.

Vesterheim offers a 60% discount for in-person class tuition on a space-available standby basis to any resident living within 50 miles of Vesterheim. Students will be notified about the availability of an opening in the class 21 days before the starting date of the class period. Discounts do not include materials fees. If local area residents want a guaranteed place in a class, they must pay regular class tuition.