Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and
include a 1-hour lunch break.
Certified by the American Bladesmith Society (ABS) and taught by ABS Master Smiths, this two week course is designed for anyone (beginners to experienced metal workers) who is interested in learning how to make high quality forged blades. Each day will include both lecture and hands-on time. Lecture topics will include metal/material selection, blade function and blade design. Hands on time will include forging metal to shape, normalizing, heat treating, grinding, and tempering. These semi-finished blades will then be tested for their cutting ability, edge holding, hardness and flexibility.
While handles and guards are not a part of this course they may be discussed. Students who successfully complete this course should be prepared to venture into a handle-and-guard course next so we invite you to look through our other class offerings.
Successful completion of this course will reduce the required 3 year waiting period to a 2 year wait as an ABS Apprentice member for eligibility to submit their knives for ABS Journeyman Smith judging.
E. Scott McGhee, ABS Master Bladesmith
E. Scott McGhee is an ABS Master Bladesmith who lives and works in central North Carolina. Scott learned the art of blacksmithing at Penland School of Crafts at the age of 17 and has played at a coal-fired forge on and off since 1981. In August of 2009, Scott built a gas-fired forge and began bladesmithing in earnest. He obtained ABS Journeyman certification in 2012, his ABS Mastersmith certification in 2016, and has been a full-time maker since 2014. In addition to making knives, Scott enjoys sharing his passion for forging at historic events, art festivals, and knife expositions.
NOTE: Are you traveling from out of town? Click here for lodging + food information!
