Yes, my knowledge usually grows quickly; by the first week, it's around 7-9, by the second week, around 13, and by the third week, 15 (including artifacts and bonuses) ----> this is quite enough to start crafting artifacts (for example, for magic resistance or initiative, or +2 morale!). I put artifacts first into the troops that are most useful to me – Gremlins (put initiative, morale, and magic resistance on them --> this will be devastating; I tested it under all perks (2 rings (+20 initiative +10 initiative) + 29 initiative from the mini-artifact + skillful acceleration ----> initiative equals 21)). And there won't be a shortage for building if you're playing as Hafiz!!! (This is the whole point). He clears mines a week earlier than other mages!!!