The Masters Series
We love to bring in Master Smiths from around the country to share their knowledge with you. Check out what we have to offer below, and look at our regular course offerings with our team of instructors too (visit the home page and click Register Today for dates/times of our regular classes).
If you are traveling from outside the Colorado Springs area there are a TON of hotels and campgrounds nearby. You are responsible for lunch, but we do have a refrigerator and microwave in our lobby, and there are multiple grocery stores near our facility.
Intro to Bladesmithing
Duration: 2 Weeks (M-F)
8AM - 5PM
Bring a lunch or eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants
Cost: $1,600 (includes all materials)
If you require hotel information, contact us for recommendations
Aug 16 - 27, 2021
Instructor: Shayne Carter
Folding Knives
Duration: 1 Weeks (M-F)
8AM - 5PM
Bring a lunch or eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants
Cost: $900 (includes all materials)
If you require hotel information, contact us for recommendations
Instructor: James Rodebaugh
Heat Treat Intensive
2021 Dates TBD
Duration: 2 Days (Sat - Sun)
8AM - 5PM
Bring a lunch or eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants
Cost: $600 (includes all materials)
If you require hotel information, contact us for recommendations
Learn from the best in the industry! Kevin Cashen is teaching heat treat at Kilroy's Workshop! DON'T MISS THIS!!
Instructor: Kevin Cashen
Nearby Hotels & Campgrounds
Upcoming Classes
Click the Buy Now button to sign up!
Guest Instructors
Intro to Bladesmithing
Duration: 2 Weeks (M-F)
8AM - 5PM
Bring a lunch or eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants
Cost: $1,600 (includes all materials)
If you require hotel information, contact us for recommendations. If you need to make payments instead of paying in-full, let us know.
Aug 16 - 27, 2021
Instructor: Shayne Carter
In addition to being a Master Bladesmith, Shayne was the first American to win the title of World Champion Blacksmith and is still the youngest participant to win at age 23. He is a 2003 International Horseshoers Hall of Fame Inductee and Forged In Fire Champion.
Shayne Carter
ABS Master Smith
The Intro to Bladesmithing class is the cornerstone ABS course. For two weeks, an ABS-approved instructor will take students through a rigorous course designed to build and test bladesmithing skills through discussion and hands-on experience. During this time, students will gain the knowledge necessary to forge quality knives, practically apply new skills, and receive feedback from one of the best ABS Master Bladesmiths in the world.
Topics covered include stock selection, knife design and forging, the “why” behind heat treating, grinding techniques, finish work, and more! Upon completion of the course, students should be able to craft a quality blade capable of passing an ABS Journeyman Smith test. If the student desires, the ABS will waive one year from the required three-year Journeyman Smith waiting period once the class is successfully completed.
Folding Knife
Duration: 1 Weeks (M-F)
8AM - 5PM
Bring a lunch or eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants
Cost: $900 (includes all materials)
If you require hotel information, contact us for recommendations
April 19 - 23, 2021
James Rodebaugh earned his ABS Master Smith title in 2004 and is one of the most respected master bladesmiths in the country. A former U.S. Marine and Federal Law Enforcement Officer, Rodebaugh became a full-time bladesmith in 1999, and has crafted quality blades at J.L. Rodebaugh Blade Studios in Carpenter, Wyoming, ever since.
James Rodebaugh
ABS Master Smith
Handles & Guards
Duration: 1 Weeks (M-F)
8AM - 5PM
Bring a lunch or eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants
Cost: $900 (includes all materials)
If you require hotel information, contact us for recommendations
September 13 - 17, 2021
Quillon Dagger
Oct 4-8
Duration: 5 Days (M - F)
8AM - 5PM
Bring a lunch or eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants
Cost: $900 (includes all materials)
If you require hotel information, contact us for recommendations
Kevin Cashen is the 2019 recipient of the ABS Don Hastings award. This is the most prestigious award in the ABS given to an individual who has performed outstanding services on behalf of the forged blade in the tradition of the gentle founder, Don Hastings. Kevin is well-known for his knowledge of metallurgy.
Kevin Cashen
ABS Master Smith
Heat Treat Intensive
Oct 9
Duration: 1 AWESOME Day (Sat)
8AM - 5PM
Bring a lunch or eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants
Cost: $300 (includes all materials)
If you require hotel information, contact us for recommendations
Create a mosaic billet using powdered steel for use in your own project. Students leave class with a completed billet.
Throat & Tip Sheath for Bowie or Dagger
July 22 - 24, 2021
Duration: 3 Days (Th - Sat)
8AM - 5PM
Bring a lunch or eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants
Cost: $790 (includes all materials)
If you require hotel information, contact us for recommendations
PREREQ: You must bring a completed Bowie knife or dagger with you. 8-9" blades MAX. No monster blades allowed. If you have not forged a Bowie knife or dagger yet we have a Bowie/Dagger class posted on our main registration page on Mar 17-19 and June 7-9..
Powder Mosaic Damascus
JW Randall
ABS Master Smith
JW Randall is a Forged In Fire champion (season 4 episode 19). He builds bowies, folders, hunters and swords. His specialties include mosaic Damascus - both patterned and powder, and intricate inlays in pearl and ivory.
July 19 - 21, 2021
Duration: 3 Days (M - W)
8AM - 5PM
Bring a lunch or eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants
Cost: $790 (includes all materials)
If you require hotel information, contact us for recommendations
Knightly Sword
KC Lund
Master Swordsmith
KC Lund is a world-renowned swordsmith who started bladesmithing when he was just 13 years old. He has produced historical replicas, blades of his own design, and loves to work with Damascus.
October 18 - 22, 2021
Duration: 5 Days (M - F)
8AM - 5PM
Bring a lunch or eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants
Cost: $990 (includes all materials)
If you require hotel information, contact us for recommendations
Registration Link Coming Soon
Forged-To-Finish Elemental Chopper
Jason Knight
ABS Master Smith
Jason Knight has more than 30,000 hours of experience in bladesmithing spanning 20 years. Considered by his peers as one of the most accomplished knife makers in the country, he has amassed numerous awards for his work, including the coveted B.R. Hughes Award for Best Blade by a Mastersmith candidate. Jason's signature knives are highly sought after by hunters, collectors, and soldiers around the world.
June 14 - 17, 2021
PLUS Hammer-In on the 18th
Duration: 4 Days (M - T)
8AM - 5PM
Bring a lunch or eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants
Cost: $1,790 (includes all materials)
If you require hotel information, contact us for recommendations
Jason Knight will lead makers on a bladesmithing journey from concept to completion of the Forged-To-Finish Elemental Chopper. Makers will learn about his design process, forging with a power hammer and hand hammer, minimal grinding with maximum results, and fit and finish.
BONUS:
Jason will get you access to his online class prior to the start of class at no charge!
Ages 16+ OR Kilroy's Journeyman Level
Blacksmithing Three Day Intensives
NOTE: The following classes are in 2022
ABANA Level 2a or 2b
Mark Aspery
Master Blacksmith
Mark is a world-renowned blacksmith, author, and educator. His YouTube channel ( includes a TON of videos teaching technique. Kilroy's has been recommending his books ( and videos for years! In fact, we have his 3-volume set in our shop for students and staff to reference.
May 19 - 21 OR May 23 - 25
Cost: $490 (includes all materials)
If you require hotel information, contact us for recommendations
Duration: 3 Days
8AM - 5PM
Bring a lunch or eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants
A detailed breakdown of the course curriculum can be found here:
2A:
2B:
Speed/progression through the course topics depends on the individual. Focus on completing tasks well and learning rather than completing all listed projects.
John Williams
Master Blacksmith
John, a world-class blacksmith and toolmaker, has been teaching blacksmithing around the country for more than 15 years. Check out some of his work and you'll see why we wanted him to come in and teach you!
