Introduction to Bladesmithing
with
ABS Master Bladesmith Timothy Potier
March 13-24
Tuition: $1,300
Material fee: $150
Monday through Friday, 8am—5pm each day, no class on weekend in-between
Skill level: Beginner and up, knowledge bladesmithing, tools and equipment helpful
FULL as of 1/4, please click ENROLL NOW to join the wait list
Dorm is full for this course
This two week course is designed for anyone interested in making high quality hand forged blades and includes lecture and hands on work, all taught by ABS Master Smiths. Metal selection, blade function and different blade design will be discussed. Hand forging to shape, normalizing, heat treating, grinding and tempering will all be taught. These semi-finished blades will be tested for their cutting ability, edge holding, hardness and flexibility. Handles and guards are not apart of this course but be thoroughly discussed and students should be prepared to venture into a handles and guards course next.
Within the two weeks of training, students should be able to make a blade which will pass the equivalent of a Journeyman Smith Performance Test. Successful completion of this course will reduce the required three (3) year waiting period as an ABS Apprentice member by one (1) year and will be eligible to submit their knives for ABS Journeyman Smith judging in two (2) years.
Take a look at images from last years course

For further information about the ABS testing and training procedures please
visit the American Bladesmith's website.
More on Timothy Potier