Knife Skills are Life Skills with Fred Livesay (Ages 16+) – Sat/Sun February 21 & 22, 2026

Students will learn 10 to 14 different, but essential knife grips and how to use them effectively carving. In the process you will become comfortable with the use of a knife, safely carving both away and towards yourself. Sharpening knives will be covered in some detail. This two-day class will be interspersed with demonstrations of sharpening and the making of certain joints, finials, and other decorative techniques using green and dry wood. Come and learn to carve with joy and confidence. 

The knife skills you learn in this class make you eligible for the following classes:

• Spoon Carving
• Knutkorg Basket
• Wooden Bowl Carving
• Other basic & intermediate woodworking classes taught by this instructor

Note this class runs over two days:

Saturday, February 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.and Sunday, February 22, 2026 9 a.m.-5 p.m

Students are asked to bring:

• Mora carving knife, no. 106 or 120 (no chip carving, hunting or Flexcut knives)
• Pencils or gel pens 
• Your own sharpening equipment
• As your class is scheduled over the lunch hour, we highly recommend you bring a lunch.

Age Requirement

Students ages 16-17 are welcome to attend this class with parent permission via email to info@marinemillsfolkschool.org.

Skill Level 
No experience needed. This class requires hand strength such as that used to open a tight jar lid.

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine Street, Marine on St. Croix, MN

Cost Details
Tuition: $125
Material Fee: $25.00
Total Cost: $150.00

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance a teacher’s need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible!

If interested, you can find our cancellation policy here.