Haywood Community College

Haywood Community College: ABS Intro to Bladesmithing

Course Overview

Are you a budding knifemaker looking to sharpen your skills? Haywood Community College offers the ABS Intro to Bladesmithing course, a two-week intensive program that serves as the perfect starting point for your bladesmithing journey. Taught by an ABS Certified Master Bladesmith, this course is designed to provide beginners with the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience required to excel in this craft.

Location & Tuition

The course is conveniently located in the Walnut Building, rooms #3327 & #3337. With a tuition fee of $1381.25, which includes a $5 tech fee and student insurance, you’re not just paying for a course; you’re making an investment in your future.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum is comprehensive and covers all the bases. You’ll start with the basics like metal selection, understanding blade function, and exploring different blade designs. The course then dives into the nitty-gritty of bladesmithing techniques such as hand forging, normalizing, heat treating, grinding, and tempering. These are essential skills that every aspiring bladesmith needs to master.

Performance Testing

What sets this course apart is its emphasis on performance. Your semi-finished blades will undergo rigorous testing for cutting ability, edge retention, hardness, and flexibility. By the end of the course, you should be able to craft a blade that meets the standards of an ABS Journeyman Smith Performance Test.

Fast-Track Your Career

One of the most enticing benefits of this course is the accelerated path it offers to professional certification. Upon successful completion, the standard three-year waiting period for ABS Journeyman Smith judging is reduced to just two years. This is a significant advantage for those looking to fast-track their career in bladesmithing.

The ABS Intro to Bladesmithing course at Haywood Community College is a comprehensive, value-packed program that offers aspiring bladesmiths a robust foundation in the craft. With expert instruction, a well-rounded curriculum, and career-accelerating benefits, this course is a must-enroll for anyone serious about bladesmithing.