The best resource for knife education is back! BLADE Show offers exciting and intensive learning opportunities taught by industry legends and professional makers. Improve your craftsmanship and deepen your knife knowledge with a BLADE University class. From informal and informative demos, exciting competitions, to small-group sessions with some of the biggest names in the knifemaking world—BLADE Show has it all.
Classes start at $25 each and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page:
2025 Class Schedule
thursday, june 5th
Location: Room 104
Instructor: Mareko Maumasi
Award-winning bladesmith Mareko Maumasi shares techniques and approaches he uses to reduce guesswork and material waste in the workshop. His approaches not only help the knifemaker’s material go further but also save time and money.
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Friday, June 6th
Location: Courtyard
Instructor: AmeriBrade
AmeriBrade and guest makers will provide a general overview on grinds, technique and different equipment. The class will be interactive and the team will answer questions and demonstrate suggestions for common issues.
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Location: Room 103
Instructor: Mareko Maumasi
Mareko Maumasi returns to help collectors and makers better understand the nuances of high-performance culinary knives. The class covers design aspects from blade tip to pommel, aiding collectors in making more informed knife-buying decisions, and makers in creating higher-quality and higher-performing culinary knives.
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Location: Room 107
Instructor: Nick Italiano and Joe Flowers
Join Nick Italiano, Associate Editor of Recoil Offgrid and host of Raise the Flag Podcast, for an exclusive conversation with legendary knife designer Joe Flowers. As the mastermind behind the TOPS Knives Brakimo and the driving force behind Bushcraft Global, Joe reveals the untold story behind the Brakimo’s design—crafted for survival, adventure, and everything in between.
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Location: Room 103
Instructor: Greyson Weltyk+Jordon Berthelot
Greyson Weltyk of Grey Blades and Jordon Berthelot of JB Blades teach step-by-step processes on how to enhance intricate patterns in damascus with Gator Piss etchant, including in-person demos with damascus knives. Subjects include proper cleaning prep, temperatures, stacking oxide techniques, sealing oxides and more. Receive in-depth looks at new product offerings from Gator Piss for etching stainless damascus and properly sealing damascus with nano-ceramic technology. Have the opportunity for Q&A with authorities about damascus etching.
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Location: Room 113
Instructor: Jason Knight
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Location: Room 113
Instructor: Work Sharp
Join Work Sharp for a hands-on class that teaches the fundamentals of knife sharpening. We'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. Our expert instructors will guide you step by step—so you leave with sharp skills and sharper knives.
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Location: Room 107
Instructor: John Dennehy
Classes on sheath making are conducted at knife shows, social media and elsewhere. Unfortunately, some of the online demos are by those giving the wrong advice. John Dennehy will share the sheath making tips he’s learned after working leather for almost 50 years, including leather selection, the tools he uses and why he uses them. He also will cover the construction details he uses that experienced leather workers recognize immediately as the ones needed to produce a professional sheath.
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Saturday, June 7th
Location: Room 113
Instructor: Kyle Daily
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?"
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Location: Room 104
Instructor: Mareko Maumasi
Mareko Maumasi completes his third straight day of teaching BLADE University classes with a most challenging one. He breaks the subject down in a way to help collectors gain a better appreciation for the knowledge and skill required to make unique damascus patterns, and to deepen the makers’ understanding of pattern design and composition.
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Location: Room 107
Instructor: Nick Italiano
Nick Italiano, seasoned outdoorsman and host of the Raise The Flag Podcast, discusses the nuances of various blade grinds. From common everyday uses to survival situations, Nick covers several common grinds and their real-world function.
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Location: Room 113
Instructor: Neels van den Berg
Step up your knifemaking game with cutting-edge technology, unconventional techniques and insider secrets from ABS master smith Neels van den Berg. In this high-energy session dive into how laser engravers, digital design, and jigs and process design can streamline your workflow and improve your work. Plus, explore the mindset and discipline—the “ninja skills”—that separate good makers from great ones. Packed with real-world examples, practical insights and a touch of humor, this is a must-attend for makers looking to work smarter, not harder.
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Location: Room 104
Instructor: Jens Anso
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.
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Location: Room 113
Instructor: Work Sharp
Join Work Sharp for a hands-on class that teaches the fundamentals of knife sharpening. We'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. Our expert instructors will guide you step by step—so you leave with sharp skills and sharper knives.
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Location: Room 107
Instructor: Jason Knight
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
Location: Room 104
Instructor: Larrin Thomas
Both knife makers and buyers have many options for steels, but how do you choose which one? Steel metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas will talk about the factors that are important for different types of knives, such as cost, toughness, edge retention, sharpenability, and corrosion resistance. Which steels are more optimal for a large chopper, a kitchen knife, or a folder? For knife makers, the topics of forgeability, grindability, polishability, and ease in heat treating will also be covered to choose knife steels that perform well and fit the knife making setup.
Classes start at $25 and can be purchased on the ticket checkout page by clicking here.
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