The ABS approved SOFA School in Troy Ohio is taking enrollment for the August Intro to Bladesmithing class to be held August 18 through August 29, 2025.  This two-week course will have two ABS Master Bladesmith instructors, one for each week.  The SOFA facilities at the Miami County Farigrounds are second to none, with a number of forging and grinding stations and classroom accommodations.  The Intro to Baldesmithing class is a great way to get started in Bladesmithing and the best way to prepare for testing for your Journeyman Smith rating, since you will be taught how to pass the physical test and receive a credit to advance one year in your time required as an Apprentice member.  For more information contact Joel A Worley at Telephone: (937) 638-9518, or Email: [email protected]

Date: August 18-29, 2025

Place: Miami County Fairgrounds, Troy Ohio.

Instructor week 1: Greg Neely, Master Smith

Instructor week 2:  Kevin Cashen, Master Smith.

Directions to Miami County Fairgrounds 650 County Rd. 25A, Troy, OH 45373 –
On Interstate 75 from North, take Exit 78, travel South 3 miles on CR 25A,
Fairgrounds will be on the right.
From the South, take Exit 74, go toward Troy on W. Main St., turn left on N. Elm St,
Fairgrounds will be on the left.

Accommodations
– Electrical Hook-ups & Primitive Camping, for a fee, washrooms & showers are available, no sanitary hook-ups. Cost for electric hook up is $30 per night, cost for primitive is $15.00 per night.
-Hampton Inn Troy, 45 Troy Town Dr, Troy, OH 45373• (937) 339-7801
-Residence Inn by Marriott, 937/440-9303, 87 Troy Town Dr, 1-75 exit 74 West turn left on Troy Town Dr.
-Comfort Inn Troy, 937/552-2622, 1800 Towne Park Dr., 87 Troy Town Dr, 1-75 exit 74 West
-Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dayton Troy, 83 Troy Town Dr, Troy, OH 45373• (937) 332-1446
-Holiday Inn Express, 937/332-1700, 60 Troy Town Dr, 1-75 exit 74 West turn left on Troy Town Dr. CALL
-Travel Lodge Tipp City, 937/667-2481, 1100 W Main, 1-75 Exit 68
-Comfort Inn, Piqua, 937-778-8100, 987 E. Ash St., Miami Valley Centre Mall, Piqua, OH, 45356 (New)
-Baymont Inn Piqua, 937-615-0140, 950 E Ash St, Piqua, OH 45356
-Motel 6, 937/335-0021, 1260 S Dorset Rd, 1-75 exit 73 East to Dorset Rd on left
-Royal Inn, 937/335-0013,1210 Brukner, 1-75 exit 73 East to Archer Dr turn right just before Waffle House
-Budget Inn, 1330 Archer Dr, Troy, OH 45373• (937) 339-6564
-Americas Best Value Motel, 937-339-7957, 30 Troy Town Dr, 1-75 exit 74 West turn left on Troy Town Dr.
-Super 9 Motel, 30 Troy Town Dr, Troy, OH 45373• (937) 339-1515