Jonathan

The below link will take you to the ABS home page. Click on testing to find the requirements for both JS and MS testing. Also check out the techniques tab as well -- a lot of good information there.

The blade needs to be a non random pattern of 300 or more layers. I think it would be difficult to argue the 300 layer rule with chainsaw Damascus -- meaning that I do not think it would qualify.

JS MS judging

Brian

Johnathan, as Brian states the dagger must be at least 300 layers and patterned. Sorry, but I do not think chainsaw would work. The blade must be at least ten inches in length. The MS dagger must have a fluted, wire inlayed handle. And of course a quillon guard. The MS qualifications page on the ABS site has all the particulars. Personally I would suggest making one out of straight steel first, just to get the hang of doing a blade that long. Trying to keep everything straight and centered is a lot of fun.

Good luck, and Brian get back to work on yours. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

Brion

Thanks!,

I went to the like that Mr. Brian posted and I read it all at least twice. I think that what I may do is make a practice one out of chainsaw damascus so that I kill two birds with one stone.

Oh and did I here a inside hint there? <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />

Jonathan, the ABS sells a good video on how to make quillion daggers. It features Kevin Cashen, who is very god at making daggers.

It would be worth your time to find one and watch it.

Good luck.

Adam.

Beside The ABS rules regarding forging a Quillon dagger, those might have been forge already about the 13'S till late 16's early 17's, so there design are numerous from single edge to double edgeetc...

Daggers and Fithing knifes of the western world by Harold L. Peterson is a good book to start with.

|quoted:

So I am planning to make my fist Quillion Dagger.

I mean, it's not going to be any thing official I'm obviously not even a Journeyman yet, but I thought it might be fun to give it a try and "Pretend" that I was making it for the MS judging board. That way at least if the time comes that I get to that point then I'll know I can do it. So I am wanting to make it to the right dimensions and right specs but I had a few questions.

First, (pardon me if I sound stupid asking this) where can I find a list of the rules about the quillion dagger?

Second, I vaguely remember that the blade has to be patterned damascus not just plain damascus. If so then dose chainsaw damascus count as a pattern?

I know I'm just leaping into the dark without knowing whats there but to me a challenge is fun and something hard to resist. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

Thanks,

Jonathan.

Jonathan, with your parents permission I have a simple drawing that you can use to create a pattern or garnish ideas from, if you would like it contact me by e-mail at [email protected] or call (559)920-2722 provide me a vaild e-mail account and I will send it to you.

Enjoy the journey!

Steve