I want to learn how to be a BladeSmith

GreySteel

GreySteel

Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
135
Ever since I was a little guy I was obsessed with Knives and with Guns. I have collected and used them for years now and it is time to take the next step. I want to learn to be a BladeSmith and a GunSmith. For courses none of my local schools where I live offer said courses and I was wondering if anyone could give me recommendations on good Credited schools online that people will respect. Not only respect but the most important thing of all, where I will recieve the most knowledge. I have no pripr experience with smithing guns or knives but I have passion for them, it is one thing in life that I am good at and have knowledge about. If anyone could help me that would be great, thank you.
 
I recomend the American Bladesmith Society. They have a school in Old Washington Arkansas called "The Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing", It is part of Texarkana college. Check out the ABS website for info or you can contact Scotty Hayes at the school at: 903-838-4541 ext.236
Good luck!
Mace
 
+1 for the ABS school. Please add your location to your about me information tab so others with more knowledge and skills near you can post replies. ;)
 
I'm going to avoid the previously posted sarcastic ravings.

You asked the question if there are online sources for Bladesmithing. This is not the sort of thing that you can learn, beyond basic theory, from an online course. It requires hands on experience, determination, and time. My recommendation is to find a Maker that may be near you, and in the absence or that, consider taking a hands on type course from an established maker. Generally speaking, the time and money you would spend on a 3-5 day course with an established maker will literally cut years off your learning curve. There is no "magic bullet", this is an ever learning craft.
 
Will Leavitt said:
Of course Tai Goo offers lessons... about $250 a day or so? Please correct me if I'm wrong.
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For 2.50 a day? Wow! Please sign me up immediately! :D Unfortunately, I'm a member of the ABS, so I guess I'm immediately disqualified. Darn it!!!
- Mitch
 
Ed Caffrey said:
I'm going to avoid the previously posted sarcastic ravings.

You asked the question if there are online sources for Bladesmithing. This is not the sort of thing that you can learn, beyond basic theory, from an online course. It requires hands on experience, determination, and time. My recommendation is to find a Maker that may be near you, and in the absence or that, consider taking a hands on type course from an established maker. Generally speaking, the time and money you would spend on a 3-5 day course with an established maker will literally cut years off your learning curve. There is no "magic bullet", this is an ever learning craft.
Click to expand...
Thank you, and everyone with legit replies. I live in Delaware, USA. Not much down here to d, great place to live but you really got to search..
 
Will Leavitt said:
Of course Tai Goo offers lessons... about $250 a day or so? Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...

My day classes are currently $135 for 5 hours of "one on one" instruction per day, plus a $15 dollar a day shop fee... in case anyone is interested.

I'm not selling titles or degrees...

I try to tailor my classes to the individual, rather than making them conform to my standards. My job as a teacher is to help the student do what he or she wants to do and serve them the best I can, within the limitations of my own facility and experience.
 
i took a week class form a knifemaker instead of going to the abs school....it was actually cheaper to get a one on one class with him because i could drive there and rent a hotel instead of flying to the school or driving MUCH further....i think it really cut alot of learning time off rather than starting out on myself....and i am almost ready to fire up my shop for the first time....good luck in your search....ryan:thumbup:
 
I'm a little disappointed in some of the responses this gentleman received. Some of them were constructive and some of them were not very constructive, but politically motivated. The non-constructive responses is not what I've come to know this forum for, thus my disappointment.

My suggestion is to read the stickies at the top of these threads and hang around here for a while and soak up as much as you can. With your newly gained knowledge from the threads, you'll be able to make an educated decision as to what path to follow.

The stickies, hanging out here and the advice from Ed Caffrey are the best advice that you received thus far in my humble opinion.

Good luck in your endeavor to enrich your life.
 
It's all in good fun. Don't take our sarcastic remarks seriously. :)
- Mitch
 
Troop said:
For 2.50 a day? Wow! Please sign me up immediately! :D Unfortunately, I'm a member of the ABS, so I guess I'm immediately disqualified. Darn it!!!
- Mitch
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No, you are not disqualified for being ABS. I have actually given a private class to a former chair person of the ABS, and have always been there "privately" for the apprentice, JS and MS ABS smiths when they needed me...
 
Don't forget the blacksmith's associations. Where you are there are tons of reenactors, and that includes blacksmiths. Not everything in blackmithing is applicable to knifemaking, but you will definitely learn how to move metal with a fire, anvil, and hammer.
 
Tai Goo said:
No, you are not disqualified for being ABS. I have actually given a private class to a former chair person of the ABS, and have always been there "privately" for the apprentice, JS and MS ABS smiths when they needed me...
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Tai, I hope you know I was just kidding around. No disrespect was intended. Just poking fun a little about your views of the ABS.
- Mitch
 
With regard to gunsmithing:

It is specialized, but made up of, metal machining, welding-soldering, woodworking, machine building, drafting, artistry...and also a small business.

The best and busiest gunsmiths I know are stellar machinists and competitive shooters too.

I'm sure most high schools and colleges offer courses on those individual areas.

Perhaps it would be smart to get a diploma or apprenticeship in one of those areas. It is hard to be a full-time gunsmith or bladesmith and good to have a reliable trade to pay the bills while you become established.
 
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Troop said:
Tai, I hope you know I was just kidding around. No disrespect was intended. Just poking fun a little about your views of the ABS.
- Mitch
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O.K.

But, I can guarantee you that they aren't strictly "my" views...

You’ll just have to trust me on that one partner… :)
 
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