I have Frequently Asked Questions posted on the ABS Website. Please take a few minutes to read the information that I have organized for you.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is the mission of the ABS?

The American Bladesmith Society, Inc is a 501 C3 non-profit organization dedicated to education and the revival of the forged blade. Our mission is preserving and promoting the ancient craft of the forged blade through education, testing, and certification.

How do I contact someone in the ABS?

The American Bladesmith Society telephone (419) 832-0400 is answered live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Your call is important to us and will always be answered live and your inquiry will be directed to the appropriate ABS staff or Board Member. There is also a complete list of “ABS Contacts” on the website on the main menu under “ABS”.

How do I obtain a copy of the current Financial Statement of the American Bladesmith Society?

A copy of the current financial statement of the American Bladesmith Society, Inc. is available by writing American Bladesmith Society, Inc., P.O. Box 160, Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522 or by calling (419) 832-0400. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.

How can I obtain a copy of the Bylaws?

To download a copy of the ABS Bylaws as amended and adopted effective February 7, 2013,

Click: ABS ByLaws 2-7-2013 Signed.pdf

How do I obtain a copy of the IRS Form 990 for the American Bladesmith Society?

A copy of the IRS Form 990 for the American Bladesmith Society, Inc. is available by writing American Bladesmith Society, Inc., P.O. Box 160, Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522 or by calling (419) 832-0400.

Membership

How can I join the ABS?

You can join the ABS online by clicking the “Join” button in the upper right corner of the website homepage and providing the requested information and following the onscreen instructions. You can also join the ABS by downloading, completing, and following the instructions in the mail in ABS Membership Application.pdf.

Please contact Membership Services at [email protected] with any questions.

What are the types of ABS memberships?

Bladesmiths join the ABS as Regular members and are rated as Apprentice Smiths. Those with an interest in the forged blade but are not knife makers can join as Associate/Collector members. Regular and Associate/Collector members can join for one (1) or five (5) year terms. Youth memberships are available for youth under eighteen (18) years of age. Memberships expire on December 31st each year.

Can I join the ABS if I live outside of the USA?

Yes. We extend an invitation to you to join. We have members on six (6) continents.

When do ABS memberships end each year?

Membership in the ABS is for a calendar year (January 1 - December 31). When you initially join your membership will expire on December 31 of that same year. The only exception is if you join after August 31 (September, October, November, or December) your membership will expire December 31 of the following year.

When you are renewing your membership, the renewal is for the entire year, January 1 - December 31.

How do ABS members renew their annual membership?

ABS members can Renew their memberships online by logging in to their account with their username and password and following the onscreen instructions. Members can also Renew by contacting Membership Services at [email protected] and obtaining a mail in renewal form. ABS memberships expire on December 31st each year.

ABS Website and Forum

Where do I find the current events for the ABS?

The current events for the ABS are displayed at the bottom of the website home page. A complete listing of ABS events for the year can be found on the website on the main menu under “News” in “Upcoming Events”.

What educational programs are available?

The American Bladesmith Society is proud to be associated with Texarkana College, Haywood Community College, and the New England School of Metalwork which offer Bladesmithing courses taught by experienced ABS Master Smiths and Journeyman Smiths. The ABS also sponsors weekend Hammer-Ins and Youth Programs throughout the year in different regions of the United States. The location, dates, and descriptions of these courses and events are found on the website under "Schools" and "Upcoming Events".

How do I register and join the ABS Forum?

You must be a member of the ABS to register for and join the Forum and have full user privileges on the Forum and Gallery. The public canview most areas of the ABS Forum and Gallery.

What are the ABS Forum Rules and Guidelines?

The “ABS Forum Rules and Guidelines” can be found by clicking the hyperlink in the top right area of the Forum homepage.

What are the Terms and Conditions for use of the ABS Website and Forum?

The "Terms and Conditions" for use of the ABS Website and Forum can be on the website by clicking this link: "Terms and Conditions".

What is the Privacy Policy of the ABS Website?

Privacy Policy: Your privacy is important to the ABS and we collect and responsibly store the information that you provide to us. The ABS will not sell or provide your contact information to anyone.