EVENTS

The Northern Minnesota Metalsmith's Spring Conference

Our metalsmith conference for 2026 will be held April 25th and 26th with a potluck the evening of the 24th for those who arrive to camp out for the conference.

Our knife making demonstrator this year is JIM MOENCK.

Jim makes many styles of knives; Hunters, fillet knives, camp knives and folders in both liner lock and slip joint. But he is most interested in the Scandinavian puukko style.

He will be demonstrating the construction of a multi-piece handle of the puukko style, including various jigs and fixtures used in constructing of that knife. This method can be used on other styles of knives that you may find useful.

He makes his own damascus steel. He forges and heat treats his blades and does all his own leather work for his sheaths.

To take a look at some of Jim's amazing work you can go to his Facebook page.

Our blacksmith demonstrator is BRENDAN STEVENS.

Brenden is a blacksmith from Central Minnesota. His interest in blacksmithing began at the young age of seven. He has been working seriously to tame the craft since he was fourteen. He makes blacksmithing related tools like hammers, tongs, etc. as well as knives and architectural ironwork on occasion. He works professionally as a welder. He has been teaching classes with the Minnesota Guild of Metalsmith’s since 2016 and has done demonstrations at the Wright County Fair, the Minnesota State Fair, the Minnesota Transportation Museum, and at various rendezvous as a historical re-enactor.

Registration form for the Conference can be downloaded by clicking HERE.