Thank you for your service John. While I can't give you any help there are a bunch of great Smith's here that should be able to. Read all you can and check out the YouTube videos on the ABS channel too

Hi John My Name is Scott Gallagher I joined in 2014. When I joined I was very eager and willing, I was told over and over to enroll in a intro class. There are several offered

Through the American Bladsmith Society. In various locations throughout the country, I did the class at Haywood community college. Clyde NC great class great folks.

If I can help feel free to call me 850-865-8264

Scott

Thanks Scott and Rick for the info. For weeks now I have been pounding every bit of info I can off the forum and watching videos. Now time for some hands on.

John

Welcome to the ABS, and Thank You for your service, and sacrifice. I pray that God will continue to watch over you and your family.

I agree with Scott, if you can try and go to a ABS school. I just returned from the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing in Washington

Arkansas, March of this year. You will learn so much more than just how to forge a blade. You will learn about heat treating, and

learning how to do this right is what makes or brakes the blade.You will learn about finishing the blade, and grinding as well.

You will also have the friendship of the other students.

Thank You again.

Anthony Griggs

Welcome, John, and thanks for your service.

If you look through the main ABS website you can find contact information for all current MS and JS rated members. Scroll through and I'm sure you'll find plenty in your area. There's no harm at all in contacting them directly. Also make sure to go to the ICCE knife show in KC in September (more info: http://www.americanbladesmith.com/index.php?section=events&subsection=show_events_details&events_id=34 ) where you'll get a chance to meet dozens of bladesmiths from all over the world.

Here's to what I hope will be a fulfilling and rewarding journey for you.

-D

Welcome John! Since your just starting out, id say try to find a smith local to your area. Doesn't have to be a Master smith. There are plenty of awesome Journeyman smiths around. I would "strongly" suggest you look into taking the intro to bladesmithing class. It is excellent for learning the basics of forging, heat treating and testing your knife. It is better to learn great habits instead of developing bad habits on your own. Plus it will give you a chance to try a few different tools you would normally not get the chance too. Also, check the Hammer-inn schedule. Great way to meet fellow knife makers and lots of classes taught over the weekend.

Feel free to contact me brother and ill give you all the info I have. 314-276-5555. I too am fairly new but I did attend the intro to bladesmithing this year and it was awesome. I can at least tell you about the experience.

Thank you for your service John! And welcome to the ABS and ABS Forum.

I live about 60 miles east of Kansas City, in Meriden, KS. I am one of the founding members of the Kansas Custom Knifemakers Association. The KCKA has about 60 members and holds events that we call Shop Tours, every three months. We were scheduled to have a Shop Tour in Topeka on April 9th. But, we had to cancel it due to the health of the event's host. Our next Shop Tour is July 16th.

The KCKA has a web site KCKA web site This is a new site for us and is still under construction. But, Shop Tours are posted on the "News & Events" page.

I will add your email to the KCKA communications. Please feel free to contact me and I'll have you come over to my shop for a visit.

Thanks everyone for the great advice

I will be looking into schools for sure. Like i said i'm going to be doing Bladesmithing and i want to do it right.

I also signed up for a basic blacksmithing course here in KC just to get more base knowledge of heating and forging in general.

Steve,, I will get in touch with you soon and get some more info of KCKA very interested.

Steve wow just checked out your work on your website Great Knives very very impressed i hope to achieve that grade of quality .....

Welcome John and thank you. You have a great instructor just west of you in Steve. Plus the ICCE show in September is a great place to meet other makers as Matthew stated. I wish you the best and if you need anything let us know.

Welcome again.

Brion

Thanks Brion

will check out the upcoming shows and meets for sure

Very excited and you guys are awesome with help

|quoted:

Hello Everyone,

New to ABS and to Bladesmithing I am a Wounded Warrior retired from the Army Looking to Start a career (if you wanna call it that) in Bladesmithing.I currently live in the KCMO/ Leavenworth Kansas area

I would like to find someone to take me under their wing and teach me some basics so I don't start wasting my time and money with doing it the wrong way with the wrong equipment. I am willing to help or pay for your/their time

I am not on here to beg or to look for hand outs just wanting to learn and keep my self occupied as I am medically retired and need to start new with something i'm passionate about

Thanks for any advice in advance

Hello John,

First and foremost thank you for your service. I'm also a disabled (100%) SC Veteran, Marine Corps. I'll ask a few questions to may be able to steer you in the right direction for some help. If you'd rather not post out here (understandable). If you have a SC rating from the VA of 30% or higher you qualify for some vocational assistance. Tools and many other items that are already funded for. my email [email protected] Hap Smith on facebook, where I have a lot of my knives displayed. Free advertising.

Hey Hap, could I get that info from you as well? I am 100% SC and would love for the VA to help me with some tools and such ...

Welcome to the ABS and the ABS forums John. You have a valuable invitation from Steve. I recommend taking that opportunity. Having a Mastersmith helping you will advance your knowledge and abilities exponentially. I do recommend the intro class and am please to see you taking a blacksmithing class, after all smithing is where the process starts.

I look forward to seeing your participation and growth in this endeavor.

Chris