This morning I was chatting on the phone with Steve Kelly, when the UPS truck stopped at the end of my driveway. The driver walked to the shop door and handed me a package.
I wasn't expecting any deliveries today, so I looked at the package as saw that it was from Bruce (Bing) Bingenheimer ?????
After I finished talking with Steve, I opened up the box, and found this....
Along with a note that said:
"I made a promise to myself 4 years ago. If I ever made JS, I was going to make my first JS stamped knife and give it to you....Please accept this gift from one friend to another." (Bing and I met 4 years ago when he came to me for a Basic Bladesmithing class)
I gotta tell ya...I teared up! What wonderful people we have in this business. For Bing to give me the first knife that he ever marked with JS is simply overwhelming, and I just don't have the words to express the emotion or gratitude.
I've been blessed during my knifemaking career in that God always seems to send people of like mind and spirit my way...just great human beings like Bing.
Bing: Thanks you so much! I am so honored to receive such a Treasure from a dear friend.
Ed Caffrey, ABS MS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.CaffreyKnives.net
Congratulations Ed. Beautiful knife and what a friend to have. It always amazes me, the people we meet in the world of knifemaking. For the most part they are some of the nicest, most giving people I have known. What a gesture.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Doesn't surprise me <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmiths.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//cool.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='B)' />
Although I don't know you personally Ed, you've been a force on the forums for many years now.
The manner in which you so unselfishly offer help and tips ??? ...... I'm surprised you don't have packages like this arriving every week <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmiths.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /> <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmiths.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//biggrin.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />
Congratulations Ed. IMHO, it couldn't have went to a finer gentleman
<img src=' http://www.americanbladesmiths.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
I know not, what course others may take, but as for me, Give me Liberty, or Give me Death
- Patrick Henry, 3-23-1775 -
Ed:
The gift from Bing is well deserved. I appreciate all of your contributions to the ABS Forum and the Master Class section of the ABS website.
The American Bladesmith Society continues to be a strong organization with members on six continents because of experienced members sticking to our core principles of education and sharing their knowledge of the forged blade.
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
Send an email to Dan
Ed,
I'm sure this is another case of "bread cast on the waters" finding it's way back. Good stuff. Lin
Lin,
I had to smile when I read your post. I still find myself marveling when something like this happens...not because of the event itself, but because by simply doing "the right thing" there are always rewards down the road.
For those who don't know the story, Bing came to my shop for a Basic Bladesmithing course 4 years ago. We hit it off right away, and in many ways the interaction reminded me of Jon Christensen, and when he and I first met.
Because of my early experiences in Bladesmithing, I've always been of the mindset that to give someone a basic class, then "throw them to the wind" just wasn't the right thing to do. I still remember Bing giving me a strange look when I told him, "This is only the beginning."
Bing is the one who deserves all the credit for what he has achieved! He has worked HARD, done his "homework", and has constantly sought improvement. Many folks who aspire to achieve their JS rating would do well to emulate him. I was just fortunate to be along for the ride, and blessed to make a great friend int he process.
Ed Caffrey, ABS MS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.CaffreyKnives.net
Thanks Ed, For joining the " ride". It's been so much fun along the way. If there is is a knife bladesmith God. I'm sure he is smiling at you right now. Just think I'll be pestering about some other challenges:D
A special thanks to the ABS for letting me be a part of all of this
Bing
