Comprehensive course suitable for the novice to the more experienced blade smith!

Duration

January 12 - 23, 2026 or June 15 - 26, 2026

Class will be from 8am – 5pm, M-Th, and Friday 8am-12pm with a 1-hour break for lunch each day.

About

The Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing is proud to host the American Bladesmith Society’s Introduction to Bladesmithing course. This two-week, comprehensive course is a standardized curriculum that is suitable for the novice to the more experienced bladesmith. Successful completion of this course will shorten the time required for a student bladesmith to test for Journeyman or Master status. See ABS for more details. If you are interested in becoming an Apprentice or Journeyman bladesmith, see the American Bladesmith Society’s webpage for membership information.

Every student is expected to leave with the knowledge necessary to pass the ABS journeyman performance test and each student leaves with a heat-treated and final ground knife

Class will be from 8am – 5pm, M-Th, and Friday 8am-12pm with a 1-hour break for lunch each day. The shop will not be available to bladesmithing students on the weekend nor after hours.

Tuition is inclusive of instruction, use of the shop & tools, and materials and supplies. There is no additional fee payable to VIB at the end of class. Lodging and food are each student’s individual responsibility.

Please Note: This course is only open to students 18 years +. No minors will be allowed to participate in the course. IDs may be required for our younger-looking participants. Scott McGhee, Master Bladesmith, will be instructing the course. Mr. McGhee is an ABS Master Bladesmith and Master Instructor and owner of Guinea Hog Forge.

Class Cost:

Price at check out is class tuition plus $15 booking fee.

Transfer, Cancellation, and Refund Policy:

Call to make any changes to your registration. Transfers and cancellations must be made more than 14 days before class in order to receive a refund. There is a $75 fee for any transfer, cancellation, or refund.