Introduction to Bladesmithing Class July 25-August 5

 

Haywood Community College is offering an American Bladesmith Society (ABS)  Introduction to Bladesmithing class July 25 through August 5. This class is for beginning knifemakers and will be taught by ABS Master Bladesmith Scott McGhee. 

According to his website, McGhee learned the art at the age of 17. His handcrafted knives are beautiful, functional and extremely durable. To see examples of his work, visit guineahogforge.com. 

Students will be introduced to the concepts and techniques needed to make a knife. Participants will be taught metal selection and blade function. Different blade design will be discussed. Hand forging to shape, normalizing, heat treating, grinding and tempering will all be taught. The semi-finished blades will be tested for their cutting ability, edge holding, hardness and flexibility. Students should be able to make a blade that will pass the equivalent of a Journeyman Smith Performance Test. 

Successful completion of this course will reduce the required three-year waiting period as an ABS Journeyman Smith judging in two years.

This two-week class will be held July 25 through August 5, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $1,381.25. Registration ends soon. For more information, please call 828-565-4152, email hcc-creativearts@haywood.edu or visit creativearts.haywood.edu.