Hey everybody!
Thanks for allowing me to join the ABS and the forums. I have almost no knife-making experience at this point. I have taken a couple of blacksmith classes and made a set of tongs, drift punch, nail header and a knife-shaped-object from a rr spike. I currently live in the suburbs in the Dallas area (Plano) which makes it difficult to set up a decent shop. However, I'm to the point of just pushing forward, and hopefully my neighbors will get used to hearing *ping-ping-ping* for hours at a time.
I grew up on a horse ranch and we built and fixed everything ourselves. My family also owned a steel business which dealt in A-36 structural steel, cold-rolled and high-carbon tool steels. I still have my Ryerson Metals handbook from the early 70s that I use for reference to this day.
I'm into guns, knives, craft beer, cars, audio, woodworking, photography, electronics, and whatever else that seems like a challenge to learn. My wife of nearly 27 years, and three kids (ages 23, 21, 16) have gotten used to my diving in head-first into something new. However, bladesmithing has been something that I have wanted to do for many years, but have yet to take the plunge, until now.
I have enrolled in the September ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing class in Hope, AR. I am very excited to finally get this journey started!
The plan is to move to the Colorado Springs area in 2-3 years and finish out work there until retirement in *gulp* ~15 years. I figure 10-15 years should be enough time to get really good, especially for a perfectionist <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />.
Anyway, I look forward to getting to know you guys and definitely learning a ton from all of you along the way.
all my best,
Clint Masterson Satterwhite
(yes, my parents were on a western kick when I was born)
Welcome to the forum Clint. Over the weekend I saw a couple of guys already enrolled for the class. I know you guys will enjoy it and learn a lot. Let us know if there's anything we can do to help prepare you.
Welcome to the ABS and the ABS forums Clint. Taking blacksmithing classes and enrolling in the Introduction to Bladesmithing class are great steps to get started. Your knowledge base will expand from the classes and should shorten the learning curve exponentially. I look forward to seeing your progression as you delve deeper into this craft. Yes, I worded that with hopes of getting you to share your journey with us here.
Chris
Hi Clint!
Bladesmithing is a rewarding journey, and the ABS is the best way to go at it. Let me know if you need anything while you're getting started. I'm in the DFW area as well.
Best regards,
Tim
Clint
Welcome to the ABS and Forum. You will love the school. If you can, come to the Hammer-In in April, meet a lot of good people and learn your way around.
Anthony
Hello Clint, and welcome. I look forward to seeing you in September. The Intro classes are a great way to learn about bladesmithing and will save you a lot of time. If you have any questions let us know and definitely think about coming to the Spring Hammer In. Hammer ins are a great place to learn and meet other makers.
Welcome again.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Thanks all for the warm welcome! I will look into the hammer-in if my schedule will allow. I look forward to seeing you in September Brion.
Hey Clint welcome to ABS.
Welcome aboard Clint. You will love the 2 week class. Worth every penny. Definitely will put you on the right track.
Some good advice is to read this link http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/index.php?/topic/155-preparing-for-classes/ its by Mastersmith MIke Williams. Good info before you take the class.
