classes

New Class available!...Folders

*Prices effective 1 Jan 2009, subject to change without notice*
Prices will be increasing as of 1 Jan 09. If you contact me and schedule a class for 2009 prior to that time, I will honor previous pricing.

Various "classes" are available from beginner, to advanced Damascus. These classes vary with the skill level and experience of each student. I have expanded the standard classes that I offer, to include a class on Mosaic Damascus. Below you will find listings for four different class options along with an explanation of each. All classes are taught "one-on-one" and only by special request/circumstances will I agree to have more than one student at a time in the shop. Please ensure you read the "NOTES" and "CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS" near the bottom of this page. If there are any price increases, those students who have already booked classes will receive the listed prices when they booked the class, otherwise current listed rates apply.

** I have installed a web calendar at the bottom of this page to assit you with schduling dates. This calendar shows all my current commitments and will updated as needed.**

NEW CLASS ADDED...LINER LOCK FOLDERS: Beginning in Jan 09, I will be offering classes covering liner lock folders. This class will consist of 5 days of "hands on" instruction, and is intended to give the student a full understanding of the design, function, and construction of the liner lock folder. Forging experience is not required, however some knifemaking knowledge is necessary. Contact me for additional details. Students will be responsible for their own safety equip., lodging arrangements, and meals. In addition, each student will be required to sign a waiver of liability PRIOR to starting classes. Tuition for the Folder course is $1,450.00 per individual, a 50% deposit must be paid 30 days prior to the class start date. Additional class days beyond the three days will be $290 per day, at the student's discretion, (and my schedule) and will be "pay as you go." (Please read the "NOTES" and "CANCELLATION/REFUND policy near the bottom of this page.)

BASIC BLADESMITHING: This class will consist of three days of "hands on" instruction, and is intended for those who have had little or no experience in Bladesmithing. This class concentrates on forge work and design, with minor emphasis on finishing. The focus of this class is the proper FORGING, GRINDING, AND HEAT TREATING of blades . This class is not intending to provide the individual with a finish knife by the end of the class. Generally if the individual desires a completed knife, I recommend adding an additional two days to your stay. (additional days will be charged at the daily rate of $290 per day)
Students will be responsible for their own safety equip., lodging arrangements, and meals. In addition, each student will be required to sign a waiver of liability PRIOR to starting classes. Tuition for the Basic Bladesmithing course is $870.00 per individual, a 50% deposit must be paid 30 days prior to the class start date. Additional class days beyond the three days will be $290 per day, at the student's discretion, (and my schedule) and will be "pay as you go." (Please read the "NOTES" and "CANCELLATION/REFUND policy near the bottom of this page.)

ADVANCED BLADESMITHING: This five day class is intended for those who have a basic understanding of Bladesmithing/knifemaking, and will cover areas more in depth than the basic course, primarily Damascus steel. Individuals must have completed the basic class, or demonstrate their ability to forge, prior to beginning. Each student will have produced a "test" blade as well as some blade "blanks" by the end of this class.
Students will be responsible for their own safety equip., lodging and meals. In addition, each student will be required to sign a waiver of liability PRIOR to starting classes. Tuition for the Advanced Bladesmithing course is $1,450.00 per individual, a 50% deposit must be paid 30 days prior to the class start date. (Please read the "NOTES" and "CANCELLATION/REFUND policy near the bottom of this page.)

MOSAIC DAMASCUS: This 3 day class will focus on Mosaic Damascus. It will include all the necessary areas to help those who have basic forging experience step into the wonderful world of Mosaic Damascus. The class will be three days of hands on learning, with the option of additional days at the students discretion. Due to the large amount of materials this class consumes, the fee will be higher than the basic Bladesmithing three days class. (A one time $150 material fee is included in the class fee) Students must have either taken the Basic Bladesmithing class, or prove their ability/knowledge of forging prior to taking this class.
Students will be responsible for their own safety equip., lodging and meals. In addition, each student will be required to sign a waiver of liability PRIOR to starting classes. Tuition for the Mosaic Damascus course is $1,020.00 per individual, a 50% deposit must be paid 30 days prior to the class start date. (additional days beyond the basic three may be requested, cost of additional days will be $290.00 per day) (Please read the "NOTES" and "CANCELLATION/REFUND policy near the bottom of this page.)

OTHER OPTIONS: Many times an individual would like to increase their knowledge and/or skill in either one, or a few specific areas of knifemaking. (general blade forging, heat treating, finishing, handles and guards, etc.) With this in mind I can tailor classes to your specific needs. Call or email me about the areas you are interested in, and I can develop an agenda based on your desires/needs.

REQUIREMENTS:

Students will be responsible for their own safety equip.(leather apron, Safety glasses, Welding gloves, and leather shoes/work boots), (NO JOGGING/RUNNING SHOES) lodging and meals. In addition, each student will be required to sign a waiver of liability PRIOR to starting classes. The fee for classes will be $290 PER DAY (8 hour period) We start at 8 AM local time, and end at 5PM local time. A 50% deposit must be paid 30 days prior to the class start date. If a 50% down payment is not received within 30 days of the classes start date I reserve the right to cancel your dates and give them to another individual. Any additional days requested will be "pay as you go." (Please read the "NOTES" and "CANCELLATION/REFUND policy below.)

NOTES:
-If you are interested in taking one of these classes, please let me know as soon as possible. With shows, students, and seminars, my schedule fills quickly.
-Additional days may be added to any of the above classes at the students discretion and my schedule. Additional days will be charged at the rate of $290 per day.
-All classes are conducted One-on-One, unless special arrangements are made with me prior to the class dates. If a special exception is made (allowing more than one individual into a class), the class fee will be as described PER INDIVIDUAL.

CANCELLATIONS AND DEPOSIT REFUNDS:
If you cancel, whether I return the deposit or return it in part is at MY DISCRETION. Contact me early if this situation must occur. Should something on my end occur, in the form of an emergency, then I would of course refund the entire deposit. This is my business, and I have set aside everything else in order to give you my full attention for the class duration. By scheduling a class and sending a deposit you are entering into a contract and agreeing to the terms outlined above.

"Back to Back" Classes
** Several individuals have requested to take both the basic and advanced classes back to back. I will only do this on a case by case basis. Prior to taking the advanced class, it is necessary that the student be familiar with the forging process and use of tools to successfully navigate this class.
The basic class is designed to get an individual STARTED in the art of Bladesmithing, and allow them to develop some skill prior to the advanced class. I generally recommend giving yourself 6 months to a year between the classes to allow your skills and talents to develop. Otherwise the potential for information overload and confusion is very real.

All prices are subject to change without notice
Ed Caffrey, ABS Mastersmith
"The Montana Bladesmith"
copyright 2009

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