Hey folks...

I recently won a scholarship from the regional chapter of ABANA. Since my long-term smiting interests are leaning towards knifemaking, I'm seriously thinking about using it to take a bladesmithing course at the John C. Campbell folk school. Check 'em out at: http://www.folkschool.org

In particular, there's a weeklong course called "The American Hand-Forged Blade" tought by Jim Batson in January. I know Batson is a former ABS president, so it should be a spectacular course. Also, he'll be doing a bladesmithing demo at an upcoming knifemaker's hammer-in locally. Should be a great opportunity to meet him and discuss my "fit" in the course before I register.

Anybody know of some other good bladesmithing courses I should consider?

Did you look through the courses at the ABS school in Southern AR?

Thomas

Actually, yes. I'd love to attend the ABS school. However, right now the cost and time frame is probably prohibitive. $700 tuition plus room and board vs. $450 plus room and board. Granted, it is for a 2 week course, but I don't know if I can swing it, money or time-wise.

My scholarship was just $300, but it would knock out the biggest part of tuition at John C. Campbell.

Hmm...

The first class I took at Campbell was Batson's knife class. We forged a knife from a file. I ended up with a pretty good looking knife. Chuck Patrick is usually his assistant. I would love to go back and take it again, now that I know a little more about smithing.

Room at the ABS school doesn't have to be a hotel, although I think most of my classmates went that route. I think the bunkhouse there in Old Washington is $19 a night. Camping at a nearby state park would be in the $16-19 a night range, probably, with electricity. Less if you do without electricity. Or, I camped on the school grounds for free. One of my classmates did the same a couple nights. But then, I believe the folk school has some on-site arrangements, too.

I have nothing against the folk school; I haven't attended any classes there, but hope to do so. Everyone I know who's been there - mostly for blacksmithing stuff - speaks highly of the experience. But I went to the ABS school last spring, and can really enthusiastically recommend it.

Steve

I may just do 'em both, depending on where my career takes me in the next 9 months. I better get in on the Folk School while I'm close and I have a scholarship that will almost wipe out the tuition.

The ABS school is definately on my to-do list, albeit awhile off...

Jason,

Did you happen to see this in the John C. Campbell catalog?

BLACKSMITHING
The American Hand-Forged Knife

Yessir! That's the one I'm going to register for. I talked with Dr. Batson quite a bit about it this past weekend. He indicated that if I was interested, I should register, and I'd be fine in the class regardless of its "advanced" listing.