Congratulations, on the first step in joining the esteemed ranks of ABS Bladesmiths.  The ABS is the number one source for education about, and training opportunities in, the art of bladesmithing.  Apprentice Bladesmiths wishing to pursue the coveted rating of Journeyman Bladesmith, must train as an Apprentice for no less than three years before testing.  However, the learning potential in our official ABS Classes are such that one can easily accelerate their skills by at least a year.  We feel confident that those who take an Intro to Bladesmithing Course at one or our approved schools will gain at least a year’s worth of skills in those valuable two weeks.  Those successfully completing such a course will have one full year waived from the Apprentice period and my test in two years.