ABS School?

robinsteele

robinsteele

Joined
Nov 29, 2005
Messages
38
I'm scheduled to take the Intro to Bladesmithing class in Old Washington, AR in September. Does anyone have any advice on what I should bring with me? I'm very new to this so an open mind is in abundance , but what else? (i.e. my favorite hammer...)

Also, what are your opinions on wether or not it is better to take this class BEFORE making many blades on your own or AFTER you have some grind time under your belt?

I think this class is definitly worth attending (at least for me) but if you think otherwise, I would also like to know your thoughts on that.

Thanks,
Rob Dobbs
 
Rob, I attended the school about 4 months ago and it was great!!! Where are you staying? You can stay at the bunkhouse for 15$ a night and save some money.. It sleeps 6 and we had a great time there. They provide 2 hammers and 2 tongs, bring your own if you like....I would bring a water container and some bandanas to combat the sweat caused by 6 forges going at the same time..If you have any questions call my cell 860 377 1446 Louis.
 
I would take your own hammers and possibly tongs. You will do well to get used to them. Once you do it makes your smithing much more efficient.

Chuck
 
If you stay in the Bunkhouse, take EARPLUGS!!!!!!!!! (You should have them when you forge anyway, and you can get some at the school.)
Small cooler for some cold WATER. It'll be hot - guarenteed! You can't drink enough water.
Everything you need is there unless you have your own favorite hammer or something.
You can be a complete greenhorn and learn plenty - just go and get it done and have fun.
 
Jerry Fisk told me that what they teach in the 2 weeks of the basic course is stuff that took him 5 years to learn by trial and error. While it will take you a while to figure out irritating little things like fit and finish, you should, in theory, be able to forge and heat treat a blade that can pass the JS performance test by the time you finish and that's never a bad thing:D
 
Rob

It been a few years since I was there, but things are probably pretty much the same. The county is dry, so If you have a favorite beverage, pick up a supply on your way there. If you are a coffee drinker, you may want to take a zip lock bag full and some filters just in case. If you don't like paper cups take along a mug or pick up one in Hope. You can set it on the forge to keep your coffee hot. When I went everyone in class that didn't bring a hammer with them went into Hope the first chance and bought their own. BRING YOUR HAMMER. Protective clothing is good, a blacksmith's apron or a heavy denim shirt works well. The denim shirt will hold moisture and actually keeps you cooler while forging than a tee shirt. It also keeps you arms from getting burned bald! Eye protection is a must and ear muffs come in handy. I found earplugs to be useless, having to remove them every time the instructor tried to talk and reinsert them when he wasn't was inconvenient and they got nasty real quick! I recommend taking a camera with a flash, more for taking photos of people than the process, but the photos are nice to look at several years down the road to tickle you memory.
If you wear prescription glasses, take a spare pair to be safe.

Jim Arbuckle
 
Hello Rob and you are going to have a good time. It is amazing the amount of things you will learn. Basically what everyone has said. I would second or third bringing your own hammer if you have one and a blacksmiths apron. Also bring gloves. I prefer welding gloves for forging. And a big thing, some type of pain reliever, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. The first couple of days you will feel it. Enjoy yourself and have a good time.

Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Journeyman
 
Thanks to all for the advice! That was the kind of stuff I was looking for.

I've been blacksmithing for almost 2 years now (once or twice a week) but am only recently trying to move beyond the standard RR Spike knife (in part due to this sites inspiration).
 
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