Hello all. My name is Michael Baker and I live in Mesquite, Texas. I'm 36 years old and work full time at the Army Airforce Exchange Service. I guess I've had the knife bug my entire life. My father made a few knives when I was a kid and I've always wanted to do the same. I've made one knife but I plan on putting my time in and seeing if this is something I could make into a career. I plan on attending the Hammer-Ins and as soon as I can put the time and money together I want to attend the two week course in Texarkana. In the meantime I would like to find someone to apprentice to around the Dallas area. I'm off work Saturday, Sunday and Monday. I would really like to find someone to start me off in the right direction to curb the beginners mistakes. I know this is something I would enjoy as a hobby and I hope I could turn it into a career.
Its nice to be here and I know joining the ABS is the first step in the right direction!
Michael Baker
Michael
Welcome to the American Bladesmith Society and the ABS Forum! I saw your membership join and Forum registration come in late tonight and approved your registration for the ABS Forum. Cindy is the ABS Office Manager and will be mailing your membership packet to you.
I think that you will find that our members are always ready to share their expertise and help each other.
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
Send an email to Dan
Michael-
Welcome and you're right about joining the ABS being a good step. One thing you might try is looking on the ABS main page and go to the Master and Journeyman smiths. See if any are near you, then contact them and see if you can hang out at their shop to see how they do things. I've learned a lot from others just getting to see their processes. Also, see if you have a local knifemaker association. We have one where I'm at and it's a great source of information. Good luck and enjoy the journey, it's a fun one <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />.
Jeremy
Jeremy Lindley, Apprentice Smith
Thanks guys. Yes I'm hoping to find someone local that I can watch and learn from. I read a lot and watch the videos but I learn so much better by doing.
Michael,
I'm not too familiar with Texas geography so I thought I'd ask if you've looked through the lists of Journeyman and Master smiths here on the ABS website? All of the rated smiths in Texas are on the list and a number of them have websites that you may be able to glean contact info. Give 'em a shout. From my experience, I haven't met an ABS member that isn't at least willing to talk if not coach. I'll bet there would be more than a few that would throw out an invite for a shop visit to boot.
I've included the links for the Master Smith list (top one) and Journeyman Smiths (bottom) in case you haven't seen them before.
http://www.americanbladesmith.com/index.php?section=users&subsection=list_user&fk_group_id=5
http://www.americanbladesmith.com/index.php?section=users&subsection=list_user&fk_group_id=6
If they don't have a website listed just click on their name and it will take you to their Bio page where you can possibly find contact info.
Good luck!
Rick
Thanks Rick. I looked through the lists and there are a few within driving distance of home. Putting the feelers out now and seeing what I can work out.
