Woodcraft of Colorado Springs

Sharpening Mini Series: Kitchen & Pocket Knives

Saturday, October 25, 2025, 10 AM - 2 PM

Proper knife sharpening is a fine and skillful art that you can learn with mindful techniques and a few standard woodworking provisions: waterstones and a leather strop. Woodworkers typically reach for these things to sharpen chisels, plane irons, card scrapers, and the like. However, once you learn to flex these same provisions to sharpen your pocket and kitchen knives, you will dramatically improve your knife utility and culinary safety. You will also learn that each type of knife, each brand, and each shape is unique. You will learn to identify distinct sharpening nuances of many types of blades, differences between the most common waterstones, how and when to choose which one, and how to finely polish and skillfully dress your own knives, which you will bring to class. Also bring your sharpening stones, if you already own them, so that you can acclimate to your own set of tools. (Discounts will be offered to students who wish to purchase during class. However, you do not need to own sharpening stones! We will have stones to use in class.) Students will receive a leather strop to use in class and then take home. A variety of strop compounds will be used and discussed. NOTE: Bring knives that you're comfortable practicing on, because they will become scratched from the waterstones as you learn this technique! No serrated knives, please. All materials are included in the cost of tuition.

3D Cutting Board

Saturday, November 1, 2025, 9 AM - 5 PM

This is a great opportunity to make a 3D cutting board using Alex Snodgrass's method. Using only three different woods - maple, cherry, and walnut - Barry will show each student how to make a stunning 3D end-grain cutting board. He will begin by teaching each student how to tune a bandsaw to make perfect cuts. Students will then progress through techniques required to build a cutting board: how to make dead-on straight cuts and accurate angled cuts on the bandsaw, and how to plane, sand, glue, and clamp the cutting board. Topics to be covered include: bandsaw myths debunked, bandsaw mechanics, correct blade tension, accurate angle cuts, gluing techniques, end-grain pattern alignment, food-safe finishes, and care and maintenance of cutting boards. By the end of the day, each student will have a fantastic 3D cutting board made with their own hands! This class is designed for woodworkers of all skill levels. From the beginner to the advanced woodworker, every student will leave the class with a 3d cutting board and a smile on their faces! Register today - there is limited enrollment!

Woodworking I (Fine Furniture Series): Trestle Table

Part 1: Friday, November 14, 2025, 9 AM - 5 PM

Part 2: Saturday, November 15, 2025, 9 AM - 5 PM

Part 3: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 9 AM - 5 PM

This is an energetic 3-day in-depth introduction to the world of woodworking! Students will learn fundamentals of building fine furniture with our resident custom furniture maker, Brian Hubel (www.brianhubel.com). Topics featured will be wood science, joinery, design, power and hand tools, sharpening, shop safety, and accuracy in construction. Each student will use these newly-acquired skills to build their very own side trestle table. The final finish will be up to the students. Students wishing to learn more about finishing are encouraged to enroll in our hands-on "Applied Finishing" class here in our Colorado Springs store. This class is a prerequisite for Woodworking II, III, and IV here in the Colorado Springs store. Class size for our Woodworking I, II, III, and IV classes is limited to a handful of students. We STRONGLY encourage you to confirm your spot as soon as possible, as classes fill up fast and are only scheduled a few times throughout the year! NOTE: In advance of the class, students will need to choose from the following wood selection, depending on availability at the time of the class: Alder Ash Beech Birch Cherry Mahogany Maple (Non-Figured) Maple (Ambrosia) Oak (Red or White) Sapele Walnut (Black or Peruvian- ask if available) ALL WOOD CHOICES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AT THE TIME OF CLASS. All materials are included in the tuition, and students will take home their tables made in class. The instructor will contact you a week or so before class to discuss your wood choice. We look forward to seeing you there! All materials are included in the cost of tuition. Please Wear Clothing Appropriate For The Wood Shop. This Includes Closed-Toe Shoes, Long Hair Tied Back, No Loose Fitting Clothing Or Loose Cords/Ties (such As Hoodie Ties), No Jewelry.