[ABS Webmaster]

Introduction to Bladesmithing Class at Texarkana College
September 12 - 23, 2011

Texarkana College and the American Bladesmith Society are proud to announce the offering of a two (2) week Introduction to Blademithing class at the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing in Washington, Arkansas. The class is set for September 12 - 23, 2011 and the instructors are Master Smiths Jim Crowell and J.R. Cook and the tuition is $850.

To register for or obtain more information for the Introduction to Bladesmithing class contact:

Scotty Hayes, Texarkana College
Telephone 903-832-5565
Email shayes@texarkanacollege.edu


Or for more information or questions about the class:

ABS School Coordinator for Texarkana College
J.R. Cook, Master Smith
Telephone 870-845-5173
Email jr@jrcookknives.com

[Lin Rhea]

This is to those who are wanting to step up their knife making game.

In October of 2002 I took the intro class under Joe Keeslar and Greg Neely. I had no intention of doing anything other than just making my knives and , more or less, minding my own business. I learned so much in those two weeks. Just after the class was the Fall Hammer In, which I attended as well. I felt like I had entered another world. Although I needed lots of forging practice and to study more to get it to sink in my head, that hammer in was a real turning point for me. It lit a fire under me to learn more. There is where I made connections and started new friendships that are still very much intact. I saw the value of the classes and how two weeks knocked a lot of time off my learning curve on the subject.

If any of you guys and gals are thinking of taking a class, this is the one you want to be sure and take. Great time of year, weather changing, good teachers, and there is no telling at the people you will meet as classmates. Think of the combined years of knifemaking that Jim Crowell and JR Cook have.

The Hammer In is during the span of the class too. That's just a bonus for those who take the intro class.

[Allen Newberry]

I had a great time when I took the course. If you are thinking of taking the class I would recommend it highly.


Here is a little bit about my first week at the class.

http://www.americanb...eek-one-of-two/

Here is my write up from the second week.

http://www.americanb...thing-week-two/