Intro to Bladesmithing, 7 – 18 March 2016

Heavin Forge School in Belfast, South Africa offers American Bladesmith Society approved Bladesmithing classes. Master Smiths Kevin and Heather Harvey operate the school and are the instructors for the classes.

Heavin Forge is located on a smallholding on the fringe of Belfast in the Eastern highlands of South Africa. Belfast is one of the coldest and highest towns in South Africa. The airport in Johannesburg is about a two hour drive and a shuttle bus runs five times a day from the airport to Belfast. The route from Johannesburg is main interstate highway all the way.

Kevin and Heather Harvey describe the region as: "scenic with many touristy things to do within close driving distance. Our small town of 6,000 has all the main amenities such as grocery stores, fast food, pubs, banks, doctors etc. but no mall and no traffic lights! Between our town and the famous Kruger National Park (about 3 hours east of us) is the Panorama Route which takes in some spectacular scenery on the escarpment with waterfalls, indigenous forests and old gold mining towns. The Kruger Park is a must for every visitor."

ABS Apprentice Smiths are reminded that taking the approved ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing Class shortens the pre-Journeyman Smith jury wait time requirements from 3 years to 2 years.

For information on class schedules, tuition, and accommodations please contact Kevin and Heather Harvey at email [email protected]