Accredited by the American Bladesmith Society
Introduction to Bladesmithing
with
ABS Master Bladesmith Lin Rhea
Class runs: April 1-12
Tuition: $1,300
Material fee: $150
Monday through Friday, 8am—5pm each day, no class on weekend in-between
Skill level: Beginner and up, basic knowledge of bladesmithing tools and equipment helpful
4 spaces left as of 11/21
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.
Lin Rhea is ranked by the American Bladesmith Society as a Master Bladesmith. He’s designated as the 2023 Arkansans Living Treasure and recipient of The Individual Artist Fellowship Award. He’s the author and designer of the X-Rhea knife. Lin feels the path to unique design and perfect balance of a knife starts with forging and this is where Lin has spent a considerable amount of time and energy. Lin brings a sensible controlled hand forging approach to his knives and he loves to pay it forward.
For further information about the ABS testing and training procedures please
visit the American Bladesmith's website.