OUR PURPOSE and MISSION
The American Bladesmith Society, Inc. (ABS) was incorporated as a non-profit corporation to operate for educational, scientific, and charitable purposes. The American Bladesmith Society was formed primarily to encourage and promote activities involving the art and science of forging metal, particularly tools, weapons and art forms. The objectives of the educational programs of the ABS are to inform and educate knife makers and the public about the art, science, technology, history and culture relating to forged edged tools, weapons and artifacts and the proper care and use of these objects.
The original Board of Directors for the American Bladesmith Society was: William F. Moran, Jr., Bill Bagwell, Don Hastings and B.R. Hughes.
ABS- Setting The Standard For Bladesmithing
ABS News and Events
The ABS mourns the loss of Carolyn Hughes.
The ABS mourns the loss of Carolyn Hughes, wife of founding member B.R. Hughes. This comes too soon after the loss of B.R. and we can now see that the two of them could not [...]
Rochester Arc and Flame ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing Workshop
April 7th - 18th 2025 Click here to order and register at the Rochester Arc and Flame website! Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and include a 1-hour lunch [...]
August Intro to Bladesmithing Class at SOFA
The ABS approved SOFA School in Troy Ohio is taking enrollment for the August Intro to Bladesmithing class to be held August 18 through August 29, 2025. This two-week course will have two ABS Master [...]
The ABS Mourns Founding Member B.R. Hughes
It is our sad duty to inform the membership that the ABS has lost an irreplaceable soul and integral part of our history and founding. B.R. Hughes passed away, September 17, 2024. Only Bill Moran [...]
Russell Roosevelt, the ABS loses another dear friend
Russell Quentin Roosevelt, 77, of Albion, passed away at 7:25 A.M., Thursday, September 5, 2024 at his residence. Cindy Sheely wrote the following about our friend- Russell was a very good friend and member of [...]
Mourning the loss of Chris Bethke
The ABS is sad to learn of the passing of a longtime member, Mr. Christopher J. Bethke. The Bethkes have been supporters of the ABS, often helping in many ways. Christopher, age 69, of Grand [...]
Schools
Rochester Arc and Flame ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing Workshop
April 7th - 18th 2025 Click here to order and register at the Rochester Arc and Flame website! Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and include a 1-hour lunch [...]
August Intro to Bladesmithing Class at SOFA
The ABS approved SOFA School in Troy Ohio is taking enrollment for the August Intro to Bladesmithing class to be held August 18 through August 29, 2025. This two-week course will have two ABS Master [...]
New England School of Metalwork 2025 Classes
Accredited by the American Bladesmith Society Introduction to Bladesmithing (2-week course) April 14- 25 Instructor: Co taught by ABS Mastersmiths Lin Rhea and Josh Fisher Monday through Friday, 8am—5pm each day, no class on weekend [...]
2025 Mid America Blade Symposium & Judging for JS/MS, August 21-24, 2025
Be sure to add it to your calendar. The ABS Mid America Blade Symposium, Super Hammer-in is returning August 22, 23, and 24, 2025 at the Miami County Fair grounds in Troy Ohio, with a [...]
Folding Knife Workshop
Folding Knife Workshop When: April 8th – April 12th 8am – 5pm Sorry this class is no longer available, Instructor: ABS Mastersmith Steve Dunn Students will be learning the process of stock removal, fit & [...]
Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing 2025 Class Schedule
January 13 - 24, 2025: ABS Intro to Bladesmithing Instructor: Scott McGhee January 13 - January 24, 2025 (M-Th, 8am-5pm with 1 hour for lunch)* Friday 8am-12pm. The Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing is proud to [...]
New England School of Metalwork 2024 Classes
Accredited by the American Bladesmith Society Intermediate Bladesmithing (1-week course) March 4 through March 8 Instructor: Ben Breda Monday through Friday, 8am—5pm each day. Skill level: Beginner and up Introduction to Bladesmithing (2-week course) April [...]
2024 Fall Piney Woods Hammer-In
October 18-20, 2024 - Registration $150, please register on site. Offered by the American Bladesmith Society, Inc. Hosted by Texarkana College, Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing Location: [...]
Haywood Community College Class Schedule- 2023
2023 Schedule of ABS classes. in cooperation with: The American Bladesmith Society, Inc. Classes conducted at: Haywood Community College 185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde, NC 28721 ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing (August and September Classes) [...]
Kilroy’s Workshop Classes in Colorado Springs
What an amazing year of classes at Kilroy's Workshop in 2022. More than 4,000 students took at least one class throughout the year. Our 11,000 square foot campus is comprised of three buildings where we [...]