Hello all,
I'm a relatively new ABS member and aspiring apprentice bladesmith. I've made 4 knives so far; the first 2 with Master Smiths Mike and Audra Draper,the 3rd with Master Smith Daniel Warren and Journeyman Smith Bill Wiggins, and the 4th with Journeymen Smith E.Scott McGhee.
I'm determined to make and learn more.
I graduated from BGSU with a BFA in jewelry and metal back in 2010. After school I moved home, and am working full time at a fitness facility running their swim lessons program.
Funds are pretty low at this point, but I am eager to learn and create
Are there any apprenticeships, or assistant possitions out there in the bladesmithing community?
Do knife makers take on assistants in their shops?
I know there are workshops available at the ABS schools, and I've spoken with a few knife makers who have allowed me to come to their shops (which I am very grateful for); however most of these bladesmiths are not very close, and the ABS classes can be pricey.
Does anyone have any advice? Please, and Thank you in advance.
-Meredith S. Tibjash
Hi Meredith,
I don't have any answers for you, but just want to say WELCOME to the ABS! Sounds like you're off to a good start. Good luck!
Aloha, Phil
I have no other members to learn from near me also. So I forge and make as many knives as I can. Then take them to a hammer in to have them evaluated. Hammer Ins are the best value for you limited funds. I do take ABS classes. I am 14 hours from the nearest school.
Welcome to the forum!
The nature of being a "Custom Knifemaker" means that very often it's a sole proprietorship type situation, that in itself very often precludes hiring folks, or offering "appretienceships".
However, that doesn't mean that you can't find a "mentor". It sounds like you've gotten a good start with the folks you've work with......that's a pattern I would suggest continuing. In other words, find a knifemaker that you admire, become friends, and have that person "help" you as you need it.
I also think it's important to learn from a wide array of different knifemakers. The reason I say that is because there are no absolutes in knifemaking...there are as many ways to do it, as there are folks doing it! Making the effort to get to various "hammer Ins" or other types of "knife" gatherings will pay huge dividends too.
I'll use myself as an example....I've been offering classes for a number of years, and by doing so, have met, and become friends with many aspiring knifemakers.....that means that not only do those folks have access to me, but I also broaden my knowledge through each of them, and have some great friends in the process.
Finally, when you mentioned "pricey", my thoughts drifted back to my own beginnings as a Bladesmith. At that time I actually lived in Arkansas, but as a young couple with a new baby, I was still "rolling up pennies" to buy "milk" for our baby, and could not afford to take any classes......but over time, as the money allowed, I started going to all the events I could. I once tried to figure out the $$$ I've spent going to various "knifemaker" type events and classes. My best estimate is that I've spent $20-$30k over the years, and every penny was money well spent.
Just in case you've not gotten the idea of what I'm trying to say....... Bladesmithing/Knifemaking IS NOT about the finished knives...it's about the road we take, and the friends we make in our quest.
Ed Caffrey, ABS MS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.CaffreyKnives.net
Well said! Ed.
Phil - Thank you
George - Thank you also <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
Ed - Thank you so much! Hammer-In's are great. I went to my first this past October. Loved it.
Looks like I will have to venture out to a few more.
I love meeting new knife makers, and any time I can work with a new knife maker the better.
the biggest problem I'm facing at the moment is where/how to forge at home. I live in a residential area.
Regardless, I will continue searching for ways to create.
<img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
Thank you all again for your help <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
-Meredith S. Tibjash
