The Bladesmithing at TMS program brings key metallurgical concepts to life for university students. The TMS Bladesmithing Competition, held every other year at the TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition, challenges student teams from around the world to produce a blade by hand hammering or trip hammer forging. In alternate years, the Bladesmithing Symposium allows students to present their current work on bladesmithing topics.

This symposium gives students a chance to discuss bladesmithing processes and procedures, to report their findings from previous experience, and to learn from fellow competitors. You can present work associated with or inspired by previous TMS Bladesmithing Competitions or discuss new entries. Submissions from students, student teams, and professionals with bladesmithing experience are welcome.

While presenters are not permitted to bring actual blades to the conference, safe metallurgical samples are allowed and encouraged. To participate, please submit the title of your presentation and a brief abstract (150 words or less describing historical background, blade material, processing steps, characterization performed, etc.). The abstract submitter can enter the names of co-authors and their affiliations when completing the abstract form. Please be sure to designate the presenter if someone other than the submitter.