The last few months have been rather special for all the Nicaraguan bladesmiths; all two of us. Recently we've added the first ever ABS Journeyman Bladesmith from Central America to the list of JS's from around the world. His name is Ramon Morales. Ramon has worked in my shop as my welding teacher for 8 years now, you can imagine how proud we are of him. Although this accomplishment warrants celebration I'd really like to take this opportunity to brag on the ABS. You see, without an organization like the ABS I'm of the opinion that the caliber of knives in the world today just might be a bit less and many craftsmen, especially me, might not be as good as we are today had it not been for the standards put forth by the leadership of the ABS. The educational leaning of the ABS also makes it an organization that looks toward the future to keep the skill of the forged blade relevant and not just a distant memory.
It took more than Ramon's skill to achieve the title of JS. It took the help of many people. I'd like to brag on some of these people here because they helped Ramon all along his path (and me along my path as well) and they are all members of the ABS.
To start with it was Jason Knight who first came to Nicaragua and taught a week long course in bladesmithing. Jason paid for that trip himself and that is where Ramon got his first look at how bladesmithing should be done. Jason has also donated many grinding belts and tools to our shop. Soon after that Burt Foster came to our shop and taught another week long course. Like Jason, Burt paid his own fare to come down and teach. Burt came a few months ago, again on his own dime, to administer Ramon's performance test. When Butch and Cindy Sheely heard that Ramon had a goal to try for his JS they knew he had to be a member of the ABS for three years and that the membership fee was a big deal for someone living in a developing country. They offered to pay Ramon's membership for those three years to help encourage him. Bill Wiggins knew we couldn't get any other steels besides 5160 so he donated a huge amount of 1095 to our shop so we would have good steel to work with. Last year at Blade while my table was next to Tad Lynch's. He asked us what he could do to help us and I couldn't come up with anything so Tad ended up donating a box of stabilized woods so Ramon could use them on his knives. Dan Cassidy helped us with the paper work required for Ramon to get his Visa to travel to the Blade Show. There have also been countless others who have offered advice and prayers when we needed it. We are so thankful to all of you who encouraged and believed in this project.
It takes much more than a guy working on his knives to pass the JS test and the ABS is much more than a certification entity. Had it not been for the ABS with it's caring and thoughtful members many of us wouldn't have the encouragement that it takes to advance our craft. I'm proud to be a member of the ABS and I know Ramon is too.
Jason's first trip to Nicaragua in 2007
Burt's first trip to Nicaragua in 2008 here with Ramon
Burt Forging a blade with Ramon and Jaime in 2008
Ramon and I setting up for the JS judging in Atlanta
Ramon gets the official "Pass" from Joe Keeslar
Ramon with the rest of the 2014 JS crew.
And finally Ramon's JS set.
I'm very proud to be a member of the ABS, not just for what it does but for who it is. Thank you to all who supported, encouraged and coached us along the way!
Mike Deibert and Ramon Morales
It's hard to say enough about the people that help Ramon make this happen. Thank you Jason and Burt. But Mike, you should be recognized as well for your encouragement through the process. It's all quite humbling. Congratulations.
That's an incredible story, Mike. It truly makes me proud to be a member of such a fine group, and I consider myself lucky to be able to call many of you friends.
Please extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ramon, and allow me also to thank YOU for all that you have done to promote the craft in your corner of the world as well.
Muy bien, Ramon! Felicitaciones! Y que hermosos cuchillos--se ve la infuencia de Jason Knight, Burt Foster, y Mike Diebert.
And, this is totally obvious (but I'm going to write it anyway)...but Mike, even though you don't do it for the recognition or anything like that, you deserve a HUGE thank you from everyone for making the world a better place to live. You've touched a lot of people through your long-term, persistent, energetic, creative work in Nicaragua--anyone who visits the neighborhood where you first set up shop to help out the local men and women can easily see the challenges of what you are doing. Options are limited (and pretty bad, by US standards) for a majority of folks living in poverty in Nicaragua--it's just incredible to think of the doors that are now open to Ramon, being a ABS Journeyman Smith, and you made that a possibility for him. Ramon worked his tail off and stuck to it (which is not easy, with all the challenges that folks face in Nicaragua), but I just wanted to make sure and send out a big thank you your way as well.
So, thank you for doing what you do! You're an inspiration for all of us. And congratulations again to Ramon!
Steve Morley
What a heart warming story. A very sincere "THANK YOU" to all concerned. WELL DONE!
Gary
Very touching story, Mike.
I can add little to what has already been said above except:
1.) I am proud to call you my friend. And I am proud of what you have accomplished. (Not to mention Ramon's accomplishments.)
2.) I look forward to the day when Ramon is the first MASTER SMITH!!!! in Nicaragua. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//biggrin.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />
Karl B. Andersen
Journeyman Smith
Mike,
Thanks for posting this thread. There are a lot of great people in the ABS, who are awesome about helping others. It's nice when someone take time to show appreciation for that.
Wishing Ramon all the best in his knifemaking future!
Great post, Mike. I only met you briefly at the Blade Show in Atlanta but I was left with a strong impression of someone who is a teacher, mentor, and role model. Thank you for all the work and effort you have given to these young men. I am truly impressed. Congratulations to all and welcome to the family.
Dan L. Petersen
That's a great story, how did I miss hearing this at the Blade Show? Congratulations to Ramon and hats off to all the ABS members who helped along the way.
Mark
Thanks guys for all the kind words! I really do appreciate what each of you had to say to Ramon and me. You all just reinforce my thoughts and words about the ABS. I really can't wait till blade next year so I can see so many of you again.
One thing I forgot to mention in my initial write-up was one of the biggest gifts to our shop for the knife making community. The reason I forgot is because it's such a long story to tell but one of those stories that is too good to be true. I'm thinking about making a short video to tell the story. It involves Uncle Al and Jerry Fisk and a few other men who got together and donated a hydraulic press and power hammer to our shop. It all started with me going the wrong way on a high-way that I had never traveled before and it ended up with me unloading a press and hammer into our shop in Nicaragua. As soon as I can make the video I'll post it.
Mike
