Thanks to all that have chimed in on this thread. It looks like I'll be finally realizing a long-time dream/goal by attending the March "Introduction to Bladesmithing Class". I'm excited (& maybe a bit nervous <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> ) about the class. Any other tips, hints, stories, wish I did this, wish I had not done that, etc. information is much appreciated please.

Thanks again, I'm truly looking forward to this exceptional opportunity.

David

You should read the thread by Master Smith Mike Williams, click: "Preparing for Class" which will give you some valuable guidance. Master Smith Mike Williams is scheduled to be one of your instructors for the March 2015 Intro to Bladesmithing class. Mike is also the Chief Judge for the ABS Journeyman Smith Judging Panel and one of our best instructors.

In addition, Master Smith Brion Tomberlin who is a Moderator on this Forum and Master Smith Judging Panel Judge will also be one of your instructors for this class.

You will learn a great deal from Mike Williams and Brion Tomberlin who I consider to be two of our best instructors and the two week class will put you years ahead in your bladesmithing career. Ask any questions that you have about preparation for class on this Forum and Mike and Brion will reply.

Thanks Dan. You beat me to the link. David I look forward to meeting you. It will be two weeks of hands on intense learning, but also a lot of fun. These Intro classes really save you a lot of time in the learning curve. Like Mike says, if you can go home with the knowledge to make one good forged blade, you can do the same when you get back home. If you have any question post them here and we will get to them, or you are welcome to give me a call. See you in a few weeks.

Brion

Thanks again for all the info and I see others had questions also, so glad I asked.

I decided on the Super 8 Motel in Hope. It had excellent reviews, also offered a full breakfast daily, and is going to be $417 cheaper for the 12 nights stay than the Best Western. They gave me a weekly rate of $273.21 for the first 7 days then it is $35/day for each of the next 5 days, total with tax a bit over $512. Versus the $930 bladesmith student quote from the Best Western. And both had breakfast included.

That is a significant amount of money to me, so I would rather save it and put it to buying more tools and supplies. Hope I am not the only one staying there, but I just essentially need a place to lay my head and eat a hot breakfast heading out the door. Hope this info is of help to anybody else.

Tony Zanussi

Kansas City, MO

Thanks for the info Tony. I'm attending the April class, and because of the Best Western quote I received myself, I had considered renting a car and camping out most nights and showering at a rec center before class. Damn my frugal upbringing and lack of cold hard cash. Now that I know a room for the entire class is around $500 and I don't necessarily need to rent a car for around $600. I'm feeling a lot better.

I'd still like the security of having keys to my own mode of transportation while in Hope due to the fact of a family grave in Franklin Arkansas I'd like to possibly visit while in the state.

If anyone else who is reading this is attending the April class, I'd be more than happy to rent a car and shuttle us to Washington for a little help with the cost. If transportation to class is readily available, guaranteed, then that saves us all some money.

Thanks for starting this thread. I'm getting more and more excited the closer it gets to April 10th.

|quoted:

Thanks for the info Tony. I'm attending the April class, and because of the Best Western quote I received myself, I had considered renting a car and camping out most nights and showering at a rec center before class. Damn my frugal upbringing and lack of cold hard cash. Now that I know a room for the entire class is around $500 and I don't necessarily need to rent a car for around $600. I'm feeling a lot better.

I'd still like the security of having keys to my own mode of transportation while in Hope due to the fact of a family grave in Franklin Arkansas I'd like to possibly visit while in the state.

If anyone else who is reading this is attending the April class, I'd be more than happy to rent a car and shuttle us to Washington for a little help with the cost. If transportation to class is readily available, guaranteed, then that saves us all some money.

Thanks for starting this thread. I'm getting more and more excited the closer it gets to April 10th.

Kabe,

I am just finishing my intro class in old Washington tomorrow. From the feedback from the other students the super8 has been good. I am having mixed feelings about the best western. It has clean rooms, though a bit old smelling because it is old, but overall a good room. However, the walls are very thin and you hear everything....

2nd. Make sure you bring some ibuprofen like they had mentioned. I could barely move my arm by the third day but its worth it! The class is exceptional in the approach and the teachers are spot on. Both had unique ways of doing things but it always came out the same, top notch. Your nervous about it like I was but don't be. They are very helpful and won't leave you hanging. I had a lot of trouble with forging but Brion "too tall" helped me out tremendously with it and its unfortunate he didn't get to see how much I improved in the 2nd week.

There are a lot of good places to eat. I can't remember the last time I had this many home cooked meals found in a restaurant before. Good place to go on Saturday between weeks is the Diamond mine in Murphysboro. Only costs 8 dollars to get in and you really don't need to rent any of the equipment. Was a blast. Found lots of dirt and rocks. No diamonds but very enjoyable. Also, you can swing by Uncle Al's on Saturday morning on the way to the mine. Great guy and has a ton of stuff to buy for knifemakers. The shoulder file guide is worth its weight in gold!

Hope that helps.

Matthew Orr

Thanks Matthew. I appreciate you sharing your experience. Two weeks too go and I'm pumped.

Had you ever swung a hammer before you attended class? I have very little time swinging myself.