American Bladesmith Society Master Smiths & Other Special Classes

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.

Of course, we offer classes year-round with our in-house instruction, and there are a lot of great smiths from around the country that we love to bring in to share their knowledge with you too. 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

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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

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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

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Quillon Dagger

2021 Dates TBD

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

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

Powder Mosaic Damascus

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

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.

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 Dec 21-23, Mar 17-19, and June 7-9..