Jim

I agree completely. It is refreshing to see so many ABS members that are willing, no eager, to share the skills that they have worked hard to learn and master with others to advance and promote the ancient craft of the forged blade. I am privileged to see the very generous sharing of knowledge every day as I administer the ABS Forum.

I believe that it is this generous sharing of technical information that sets the American Bladesmith Society apart from other organizations and is largely responsible for our continuing growth. We now have more than 1,200 members in 18 countries.

Some great thoughts Jim and I'm sure they echo many others.

Jim,

Thanks for your comments about the ABS! It IS a unique group of people, who are willing to share all that they know about the craft.

It was me, who filled in for the Master Smith who was not able to attend. I want to thank you for hosting an event where knifemakers can get together to share information. I had a great time and really enjoyed meeting the Canadian knifemakers.

For those who have not heard of Jim's hammer-in; it is great! Jim has a large, well equipped shop that provides plenty of room for demos. The event is very well attended. Jim's wife Bev, spoiled all of us demonstrators with incredible meals. She is an awesome cook and a most gracious hostess!!

Yes it was you Steve that stepped up to the plate on very short notice. Thanks again. We have had the privilege to have some great makers demo in the short 3 years of our hammer in. J.Neilsen, Ed Caffrey, Steve Kelly, Chad Nichols, Dana Hackney, Bruce Bump, Steve Culver, Cal Ganshorn, Roger Hatt and a few other attendees that did demos as well. I have had such great compliments from attendees that were amazed at how the demonstrators were willing to share any and all info asked of them. Every demonstrator that has been here has offered to come back again to do it again. My goal is to change it up each year with new demonstrators as well as have guys return as well. It is amazing that guys are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to come and teach the craft of knife making. Most of these guys make their living on selling knives. It's quite a commitment to come here, as they all have done it without pay. We payed their travel expenses , feed and water them though. The attendees of the hammer in feel so fortunate to have the quality demonstrators that most people bring a donated item for raffle so we can afford to continue to bring this guys from so far away to demonstrate.

Again, thanks to all demonstrators that have shared their knowledge at all these events.

I will try to download a few pictures from past events.

Jim

For me it is not only the open sharing of information and techniques, it is also the getting to know people who feel the same way about blades as I do. The number of friends from around the world that we have come to know is a great testament to this organization. Without the ABS I would not have gotten to meet and become friends with so many great folks. Thank you all.

Brion