Greetings all, I have neglected doing this and realized after reading several of the posts here I ought to say hi.
I got hooked on knives and swords and assorted sharp bits when I saw the Jody Samson 'Father's Sword' come to life on the screen back in 82. I have wanted to be a blade smith ever since.
I finally got around to really doing something about it when I discovered the ABS program at the New England School of Metalwork.
I was fortunate to take the course with Jim Crowell and learned more on the first day than I had imagined possible.
I am continually humbled while looking through the posts here, there is so much talent and skill generously offered. I hope some day to have as much to give back to the community of craftsmen and artists that occupy this virtual stomping ground. For the time being I keep hammering and grinding trying to better my last effort.
Welcome Thaddeus!! You did good taking the class. And Jim Crowell is a great instructor. I'm sure that you learned a lot from him.
Thaddeus
Welcome to the ABS Forum! Please post your questions, knife photos, and participate in the discussions.
We always say that the Introduction to Bladesmithing class with our Master Smiths will take years off the learning curve.
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
Send an email to Dan
Welcome Thaddeus. Good choice for the class. Knowing Jim, you learned a lot. Jim Crowell was one of the instructors for my intro class. He is an excellent teacher and a good friend.
Welcome again.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Hi Thaddeus,
Welcome to the ABS! And especially welcome to the ABS since you live in NH! Where are you located? I'm a Journeyman Smith, working in the Sunappee/New London area.
Seeing as you're aware of the NESM, have you ever made it up there for the New England Hammer In? If so we would have met, but I don't recall. (If you haven't, you should!)
I'm just about to finish up a brand new workshop. It will be done in the next two weeks or so, and then I'll be back up and running making knives full time. If it's convenient for you, you should come by and introduce yourself.
Cheers,
Zack
Zack Jonas
Journeyman Smith
Welcome, Thaddeus.
You got off to an excellant start with Jim Crowell as an instructor. Not only is he one of the best at bladesmithing but is very good at explaining how that it is done as well.
Hope that you enjoy your time here.
Gary
Good news Thadeus and welcome! I'm jealous you got to take the ABS bladesmithing course. I echo Zach in wondering where you're at in NH? I hail from Merrimack and am often back there visiting family in the summer. If you can get by and meet Zach it would be well worth it. He makes some sweet knives. (Glad to hear of the progress of your shop Zach!)
Thank you all for the warm welcome.
Zach I am in Dublin, so not too far away.
I would love to come by your new space and say hi some time in the not too distant future.
I missed the hammer in last summer but am planning on making it to the one next July.
