I have been getting a lot of email from folks who want to know how to get started making knives. This is a good time to learn the craft because in the past few years several schools have begun to offer classes. When I began bladesmithing there were only a handful of men forging blades. We basically taught each other and began to gather at hammerins to share what we had learned. This bootstrap approach is still effective and for people in remote areas it is important to seek out others who share your interest and if possible to organize and pool resources. You will also have to make the investment in your education by buying books, taking classes and traveling to visit other smiths. If possible you should also attend a national knife show, there is much to be learned by looking and talking to makers at the shows.
The following schools offer classes on bladesmithing, call or write them for a catalog:
American Bladesmith's Society School for Bladesmithing, Washington, AK
North Carolina Knifemaker's Guild in cooperation with Montgomery Community College, Troy, NC
John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC
The New England School of Metalworking in Auburn, Maine
For book suggestions and resources visit my bookstore The sales from the bookstore help to defray the costs of this site and I appreciate your support by buying through it.
Another good resource is ABANA The Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America. This is a bother organization of fellow metalsmiths and they have chapters in nearly every state that host hammerins and classes.
I also host a bladesmith's forum with nearly 3,000 members from all over the world. The forum has been running for several years and there is a wealth of information available through the search mechanism on just about any related subject you can imagine. I encourage you to join us at Bladesmith's Forum
Search the web and you will find all sorts of forums on knifemaking and a wealth of information about the craft. Seek out local resources and related crafts, soon you will be on your way. I don't have time to answer questions from everyone and have posted this site as a beginning point. If you truly want to learn it is possible and rewarding. Good luck.