Even though technology has dominated the production of several things (which is good) including mass-production of knives, but the feeling of crafting a knife, sword, axe, etc. by hand is heavenly. Whether it’s when you clang the hammer against the anvil, how scary the glow of molten steel can be, the satisfying smoke scent, and finally the masterpiece.
This ancient craft continues to captivate lots of people even after centuries.
But it’s not something you just wake up and start doing, you need to have the knowledge and be properly trained. If you’re aspiring to master this art, Bladesmithing schools are one of your best options based on several things they bring to the table like experienced instructors, a supportive learning environment, specialized equipment, etc.
In this blog, you’ll have several options to choose from, and the best part is that we provided their locations so to easily enroll in a school close to you.
(Not to mention that you can still enroll in very affordable community colleges in Virginia, New York, Texas, Florida, California, etc.)
Bladesmithing Schools
Even though it’s your personal decision to either enroll in a Bladesmithing school or not, the experience and benefits are profound. Because most of these schools – perhaps all – always have foundational courses then some progress to more advanced courses.
Here are the schools.
1. Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing (USA)
This is the first Bladesmithing school in the world and has been around for more than 30 years. Their reputation precedes them, thousands of bladesmiths including a number of master smiths and journeyman smiths, began from this school.
They offer training from introduction to bladesmithing, beginner’s bladesmithing to Damascus steel, handles and guards, advanced grinding, and more. For those who cannot make it on-campus due to their busy schedules or the extra expenses of coming and accommodating, their online Bladesmithing for Beginners could be a perfect fit.
Location
- 2500 N Robison Rd. Texarkana, Texas, 75599
2. Rochester Arc + Flame Center (USA)
RocAFC is one of the welding, glasswork, blacksmithing, and bladesmithing schools that has taught more than 15,000 students since 2012, and they are just starting. The school is the only training facility in Upstate New York to provide these courses.
They provide three Bladesmithing courses which include ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing Workshop, Bladesmithing 4-Day Workshop, and Bladesmithing 6-Night Workshop. Also, you can advance to other related topics like blacksmithing or coppersmithing.
Location:
- 125 Fedex Way. Rochester, NY 14624
3. New England School of Metalwork (USA)
This Knifesmithing school provides several courses scheduled throughout the year, so there’s the EDC Knife with Sheath, the Forged Chef Knife, Intermediate Bladesmithing, Basic Damascus Steel, Advanced Chef Knife, Bladesmithing Boot camp, and lots of others. These courses run from January to December each year.
Interestingly, the New England School of Metalwork has nearly 75% of its courses approved for VA benefit. So if you’re a Veteran, your course of choice might have a discount.
4. Haywood Community College – Introduction to Bladesmithing (USA)
Through this Introduction to Bladesmithing program, you’ll be learning from an American Bladesmith Society (ABS) Certified Master Bladesmith. Just like the name, you’ll start from scratch to learn the concept and techniques to make a knife.
The class will progress to hand forging to shape, normalizing, heat treating, grinding and tempering, etc. After the lessons, you’ll need to make a blade that will pass the equivalent of a Journeyman Smith Performance Test.
Location:
- 185 Freedlander Drive Clyde, NC 28721
5. Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing (USA)
This is among the bladesmithing schools that provide different kinds of blacksmithing-related courses. Their knifemaking courses are available for individuals of 18 years and above, and some of these courses include;
- ABS Intro to Knifemaking with Scott McGhee (12 days)
- Blacksmith’s Knife – Chef (2 days)
- Seax Style Knife (up to 8 days)
- Scandi Style Stick Tang Knife (4 days)
- Intermediate Knifemaking: Handles and Guards (6 days)
Etc.
Location:
- 724 N Augusta Ave Waynesboro, VA 22980
6. James Black School of Bladesmithing (USA)
This school will be teaching you the art and science of Bladesmithing, Forging, Handles and Guards, Damascus Steel, and more.
Location:
- Historic Washington State Park, 601 Lawrence Street, Washington, Arkansas
7. Owen Bush Bladesmith – Bushfire Forge School of Smithing (UK)
This school welcomes both beginners and more experienced smiths. Due to their desire for more individualized attention to boost effective learning, and increase relationships, they only sit between 4 and 10 students (depending on the class). These courses will be more traditional, where most of the time will be spent with a hammer over the anvil.
Depending on your schedule and the type of class, there is a one day, three days, and five days courses but no weekends.
Location:
- East Wickham Farm, Wickham St, Welling, Kent, DA16 3DA
8. Pioneer Farms – Introduction to Bladesmithing (USA)
Just like most other Bladesmithing Schools, Forged in Fire Champion Chris Farrell will be guiding you in this beginner’s class on how to make knives through a hand-forging process. The class requires a large amount of work, and at least one project.
The class is best for students who are 18 years and older.
Location:
- 10621 Pioneer Farms Drive Austin, Texas, 78754, United States
9. Kilroy’s Workshop (USA)
Unlike most other knifesmithing schools, Kilroy’s Workshop has classes for younger kids of 9 and above (age entry of other schools is mostly from 18 years and above). Their 3-hour Blacksmithing Foundations class will be perfect for someone just starting.
More experienced students can take courses like casting fundamentals, 35 hours of Full-Size Traditional Katana, 12 hours of Scandinavian Puukko Knife, and 7 hours of KW Fishing Knife.
Location
- 7358 Cole View Colorado Springs, CO 80915
10. BlackGuard Customs (USA)
If you’re just starting new, the weekend Introduction to Bladesmithing course will be a nice place to begin, then their 3-day Advanced Bladesmithing class is of course for more experienced students and is held the third week of the month.
In the advanced class, you’ll be learning Chefs Knives/Kitchen Cutlery, Tactical, and Damascus, amongst many others.
Location:
- 759 Falling Leaves Drive Adkins, Texas 78101
11. Peters Valley – School of Craft (USA)
This school also offers an intro to bladesmithing where students will learn to design and forge a small-scale utility knife, focusing on learning and practicing the forging of basic blades.
Location:
- 19 Kuhn Road Layton, NJ 07851
12. Carter Cutlery – Bladesmithing Courses (USA)
Carter Cutlery offers a variety of Bladesmithing courses including Basic Tool Intensive, Professional Blade Sharpener Intensive Instruction, Forging and Completion of an International Pro Series Chef’s Knife, etc.
Location:
- 103A Moser Ave Council, ID, 83612
13. Drunken Smithy (USA)
This is among the bladesmithing schools that will appeal best to those who enjoy hands-on training experiences like Ax Forging and Throwing, Forge a Knife, etc. Their workshops run throughout the year, so anytime you feel like, you are free to join.
Location:
- 61 W Front Street, Suite C Palmyra, Pennsylvania 17078
Key Takeaway
Even though technology is taking over so many things, there is still a satisfactory experience passionate bladesmiths get when a solid raw material is transformed into functional masterpieces. You can always learn this on your own, but knifesmithing schools provide a structured and safe approach to this mastery.
These schools with their experienced instructors, specialized equipment, and supportive learning environment will provide the necessary hands-on experience you need.