Survival Knife

February 16-18, 2017

Fee - $500

This class is for participants that possess the skill and knowledge to forge and grind blades prior to this class. Students will be instructed on how to construct a survival knife. Instruction will discuss handle material choices, pin stock, adhesives and overall finish. A material and supplies will be provided to forge and grind a blade. Students are welcome to bring their own handle material. This is a three day class and will be taught by an ABS Certified Master Bladesmith.

Spring Smoky Mountain Hammer-In

March 24-12, 2017

Fee – $75

The Great Smoky Mountain Hammer In at Haywood Community College is sponsored by the American Bladesmith Society (ABS). The Hammer In brings Master Bladesmiths, forging enthusiasts, and knife collectors from across the United States to demonstrate their skills and to learn the art and science of hand forged knife making. Master Bladesmiths will give demonstrations and hold classes on a number of topics ranging from coal and gas forging to fabrication of handles and guards and engraving. Participants are encouraged to pre-register for the event, but they may also register at the door on the day of the event. The public is invited to participate and experience knife making in the time honored tradition of the American Bladesmith Society.

Introduction to Bladesmithing

March 20-31, 2017

Fee - $1000

This class is for beginning knifemakers, students will be introduced to the concepts and techniques needed to make a knife. Students are taught metal selection, blade function and different blade design will be discussed. Hand forging to shape, normalizing, heat treating, grinding and tempering will all be taught. These semi-finished blades will be tested for their cutting ability, edge holding, hardness and flexibility. Students should be able to make a blade which will pass the equivalent of a Journeyman Smith Performance Test. Successful completion of this course will reduce the required three (3) year waiting period as an ABS Journeyman Smith judging in two years. This is a two-week long class and will be taught by an ABS Certified Master Bladesmith.

Folders

April 24-28, 2017

Fee - $800

This class will cover the very basics of making folding knifes. This course provides detailed instruction on the art and craft of fabrication of the slip joint folder. This is a week-long class and will be taught by an ABS Certified Master Bladesmith.

Handles and Guards

June 5-9, 2017

Fee - $800

This class is designed to continue the course of study set forth in the ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing course. This class includes detailed information on creating handles, both full tang and hidden tang, guards, butt caps, decorative file work, spiral dagger handles, handle material choices, guard material choices, pin stock, adhesives and overall finish. Students will be instructed on how to finish off a professional looking knife. Participants are expected to possess the skill and knowledge to forge, grind and heat treat blades prior to this class. A limited amount and type of materials will be provided, students are welcome to furnish and bring their own handle and guard material. It is required that students enrolling in this workshop provide their own, finished blades ready to be completed. This is a week-long class and will be taught by an ABS Certified Master Bladesmith.

Introduction to Bladesmithing

Oct 2-13, 2016

Fee - $1000

This class is for beginning knifemakers, students will be introduced to the concepts and techniques needed to make a knife. Students are taught metal selection, blade function and different blade design will be discussed. Hand forging to shape, normalizing, heat treating, grinding and tempering will all be taught. These semi-finished blades will be tested for their cutting ability, edge holding, hardness and flexibility. Students should be able to make a blade which will pass the equivalent of a Journeyman Smith Performance Test. Successful completion of this course will reduce the required three (3) year waiting period as an ABS Journeyman Smith judging in two years. This is a two-week long class and will be taught by an ABS Certified Master Bladesmith.

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