Hi Folks, Thought I'd do the right thing and properly introduce myself.
I started trying to make knives about 3 years ago by forging. Soon after I was introduced to Robert Eggerling and got bit by the Damascus bug. I concentrated on Building a press and proper forge and had a go at it. I continued to refine my Damascus skill with alot of reading(by Many of you fine folks) and wasting alot of steel. I've allways been a believer of the "just do it" camp. So I'm at the point now I can turn out a decent billet(in my own mind)lol, but allways learning. As of lately I've been doing mostly stock removal blades , I'd like to change that and get back to swinging a hammer. I hope to be able to take an ABS class at the school in Maine sometime in the next year.
I'd also like to thank the folks who I've met at the Ashokan seminar over the last 5 years who've inspired, taught, and given me some great advice.
Thanks for listening!
Shawn
Shawn:
Welcome to the American Bladesmith Society! You will find that there is a lot of useful information available on the ABS Forum and experienced ABS members ready to answer your questions.
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
Send an email to Dan
Hello Shawn and welcome. I look forward to seeing your knives and meeting you in person at an ABS event or show. Welcome again.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Hey Shawn, welcome! It's been a few years since we met at Indian George's. I still have the notes I took from talking with you. Congrats on your recent publication! All the best, Phil
Hi Shawn. Welcome aboard!
I've heard that the "Damascus Bug" has no cure as of yet. The good news is that for most it's not terminal... <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmiths.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//rolleyes.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rolleyes:' /> And for a few they actually don't show any symptoms but are carriers, which might be the case with Mr. Eggerling. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmiths.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//blink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':blink:' />
Take care of yourself... I here that a cold compress made from a honey-do list will stave off the worst of the symptoms for a while. Good luck with it! <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmiths.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />
Rick
Hello everyone. My name is Dan Hockensmith. I am a Farrier/Blacksmith, turned Bladesmith/Blacksmith, and earned my JS stamp in 2000.
I know I know. Why havn't I went for my Masters Stamp? I will eventually, just have had alot of irons in the fire, literally.
This looks like a great place to keep up with things.
I have met many of you over the years, and hope to someday meet you all. Best wishes, Dan
Dan:
Welcome to the ABS Forum! It is great to have you onboard.
I hope that you will find it to be a useful resource for bladesmithing information and provide the ability to meet and communicate with the other ABS members that are now on six (6) continents in many countries around the world.
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
Send an email to Dan
Welcome Dan... Good to have you with us. I look forward to hearing from you and learning from your experience.
Rick
Hello Dan and welcome to the forum. I look forwad to meeting you in person sometime and learning from your experience.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
We're glad you're with us Dan. If you get time, I'd like to see some of your work. Lin
Thank you for the welcome guys! Dan
Greetings!
My name is Greg and I'm an aspiring knifemaker, ABS apprentice, and am new to the forum. I look forward to leveraging all of the vast information on here as I progress through different stages of the knives I've started. A sincere 'Thank you' to everyone for posting and contributing.
Since a young boy I've always had an interest in blades...in fact, I have fond memories of a couple of them biting me!
I stumbled upon the art of bladesmithing as a result of my interest in cooking. I started off purchasing commercial kitchen blades and one day came across a Shun knife in a retail store whose design was based on one of Bob Kramer's knives. In all it's beauty I had to have it, but I also wondered...who is Bob Kramer?!?
I got home and instantly Googled Mr. Kramer and was not only amazed to learn about him and his knives, but I was also fascinated that this whole other world of bladesmithing existed....I had no idea! It was then that my addiction to bladesmithing began.
At that time I was in Boston, MA, and was lucky enough to enroll in J.D. Smith's bladesmithing class at Mass Arts College. J.D. is an excellent teacher, a really great guy, and a true inspiration.
I've since relocated to Dallas, TX as of 2011 and am looking to network with others - for those bladesmiths in the greater Dallas area. Please message me if you're nearby - it would be great to meet you!
Greg
Greg:
Welcome to the ABS Forum! Enjoy and please post any questions that you may have about bladesmithing. The ABS Master Smiths, Journeyman Smiths, and Apprentice Smiths have been very giving of their time and knowledge in answering questions and participating in discussions on the ABS Forum.
I am glad to see that two ABS Master Smiths (Bob Kramer and J.D. Smith) provided both the inspiration and guidance to get you involved in bladesmithing and the American Bladesmith Society.
I appreciated your email to me today and your desire to one day give back and contribute or as Master Smith Joe Keeslar, who is a frequent and well respected instructor at our ABS Schools and Hammer-Ins says: "Pass it on!".
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
Send an email to Dan
Welcome Greg. Glad to have you here and in the ABS. Feel free to post any questions as Dan said and I look forward to meeting you in the future. You might want to think about attending the ABS Spring Hammer In in Old Washington. Not too far from Dallas and a great way to learn and meet a lot of fellow members, plus a lot of fun. Just check out the Spring hammer in thread started by our webmaster. Welcome again.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Hi Greg,
welcome to the club! I'm sorry to say that once you've been bitten by the bladesmithing bug there is no cure. Not to worry your in very good company. I'm happy to hear my blades gave you inspiration and hopefully a few good meals.
Sincerely,
Bob Kramer
