Wootz Crucible Steel; "Live the Legend"

 “Live the Legend”-Wootz Crucible Steel

Ric Furrer

Friday - Tuesday 8am to 5pm daily
October 1—5(5 days)
Tuition: $650.00
Skill level: Seasoned beginner and up

FULL

ENROLL NOW

 Wootz Crucible Steel; from the melting of an ingot of steel to a forged bar and maybe a forged knife blade if time allows. Wootz is an ancient small batch steel developed in India which in recent years has come to the forefront for a resurgence in steel making. Do not confuse Wootz with pattern-welded "Damascus" steel...there is no folding and welding in this class and the steel will go liquid during its creation. The history, metallurgy and current state of the craft will be discussed as well as an “all hands on" making and forging of the material. This is not a lecture. Limited to six students, some experience with forging is a real plus. No video taping permitted.

Richard Furrer began blacksmithing in 1990 under the instruction of Paul Marx in Madison, Wisconsin. As a student of history Richard looked closely at ancient and medieval metalworking techniques and some 13 years ago began making Wootz steel. Since that time he has not lost the sense of mystery which this steel embodies.....though not all the myths are true there is yet enough unknown to make for years of study. In 2002 Richard demonstrated his craft at the Smithsonian Institution’s Silk Road Folk-Life Festival Richard owns and operates a one man general blacksmith shop Door County Forgeworks in beautiful Door County, Wisconsin producing swords, steel, tools and architectural work as needed.