ABS Bladesmithing class

Streetdog

Streetdog

Joined
Apr 1, 2012
Messages
68
Hey everybody, first let me say I hope I'm posting this in the right place. I did an intro a little bit ago but let me throw some info out for this specific post. I'm a very very brand new maker of knife like objects. I have made a couple but most were not worth keeping. I love doing it and I really enjoy the detail that is required and one day hope the be halfway decent at making knives. To help me along in this I'm going to be attending the American Bladesmith Society Basic bladesmithing class.

My question is: Has anyone been through this class before? I would like to have a good idea of what I can expect from the class and if it is worth the money. I mean $850 for two weeks of instruction seems pretty good considering what I see people pay for something like weapons training.

So for the sake of clarity, has anyone been through the class and what was your experience with it? Thank you folks for any info you have. If this isn't the right forum or I'm not supposed to ask about stuff like this I purge the thread and move on :)
 
I drove from CT to Arkansas for the basic course. I had two great instructors, learned
a great deal, and made a Journeyman's knife which passed all the tests.

Worth it? You betcha!

Bill
 
Arkansas is where I'm doing mine at as well. Thanks for the reply I'm really looking forward to the class I just want to make sure I know what I"m getting myself into. Do you have any advice?
 
Hi StreetDog,
You can get a lot out of the basic Blade Smithing course.
It is how ever based on the effort you put in to it. One guy wanted just to do "His own thing" In my opinion it was a waste of time for him.
Others worked their butt off and went home with a great understanding of what the MasterSmiths were teaching.
I went in 2007.
Sincerely,
Dave
 
Thank you Dave. I try to be a sponge when I'm learning from somebody. It never made sense to me to pay money for something and then try to do your own thing. You can do that at home you know? The way I figure it, I'm going there to learn and pick peoples brains I want to learn as much as I can and then I can experiment and play around back home. Thanks for the reply. I have yet to hear anything bad about the class from anybody. I have done web reviews and practiced much googlefu on this topic I just wanted to ask the folks here cause there is so much knowledge on this website it hurts to think about it. Thanks for the reply.
 
Anybody else? Hope to hear from a few more people. I know more than two people have gone. Come on folks, don't be shy.
 
Hey Streetdog,
I have not attended this class, so forgive me on this topic. I work with a JS, he told me very specifically that those classes are great. I also have been around a friend that attended last year and his work and techniques have improved ten fold. I plan on attending in the near future as well, because I have seen how much they help smiths improve. Enjoy it and post your experience for us.
Daniel Combs
DanCo
 
If you're going to Old Washington in the summer, be aware it's hotter than
hades there. I was there in Sept '06 (I think) and the outside temp was 100+
each day. Staying hydrated is the clue. Drink LOTS of water and have a
wonderful time.

Bill
 
Thanks everybody. I'm really looking forward to this and I will definately put up some posts on my experiences. Bill, thanks for the advice. I intended to act like it was Iraq with woods and take my 100oz camelback and hydration salts with me.

Dan I'm glad to hear that. That has been my exerience reading reviews but I really wanted to ask someone "live" so to speak. I will let you guys know how it goes. Thanks again.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top