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American Bladesmith Society
ABANA and ABS.One shop.
The two national programs in blacksmithing and bladesmithing, side by side in Waynesboro: the ABANA National Curriculum, and the American Bladesmith Society's Introduction to Bladesmithing course.
Introduction to Bladesmithing
Two weeks toward Journeyman
VIB is proud to host the American Bladesmith Society's Introduction to Bladesmithing course: a two-week, standardized curriculum for the novice through the more experienced bladesmith. Successful completion shortens the time a student bladesmith needs before testing for Journeyman or Master status.
Every student is expected to leave with the knowledge needed to pass the ABS journeyman performance test, and with a heat-treated, final-ground knife.
- Monday to Thursday 8am to 5pm, Friday 8am to 12pm, with an hour for lunch
- Tuition covers instruction, use of the shop and tools, and all materials and supplies
- Open to students 18 and older; lodging and food are each student's own
- Interested in Apprentice or Journeyman status? See the American Bladesmith Society for membership
Your instructor
Scott McGhee, ABS Master Smith
Scott McGhee is an American Bladesmith Society Master Bladesmith and Master Instructor, and the owner of Guinea Hog Forge. He teaches the ABS course at VIB, and two more of his own classes that are not ABS sponsored: an intermediate workshop on handles and guards, and a three-day chef knife class open to beginners.
Start at the forge
More knifemaking
Blacksmith Knife: Hunter/Utility Knife for Beginners
2 days, $385
Blacksmith’s Knife: Chef Knife for Beginners
2 days, $385
Blacksmith’s Knife: Chopper Knife for Beginners
2 days, $385
Build a Sword
5 days, $2,200
Chef Knife class with Scott McGhee
3 days, $465
Intermediate Knifemaking: Handles and Guards with Scott McGhee
6 days, $985
Forge yourfirst blade
Start with a two-day knife class, or go all in on the ABS two-week course.