Hello everybody!
I'm Phillip. I work in the forestry industry, am 33 years old and live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I have recently had the amazing opportunity to complete the ABS intro course with Kevin and Heather Harvey.
I've had an interest in anything sharp since childhood and about a year ago I decided to try my hand at making a "proper" knife. As is the case in many instances, the course I did then was a stock removal one, however, the "edge bug" had bitten.
I did however not feel very comfortable with what I was doing. I kept feeling that something was missing and that I was not satisfied by the way I was making knives and started reading about forging...
My mind was made up and I booked a course with Kevin and Heather for March 2016. Unfortunately, due to complications with my wife's pregnancy I could not finish the course. Being the exceptional people they are, Kevin and Heather offered me the opportunity to complete the course in October.
Tragically, our daughter who was born prematurely contracted a Klebsiella infection a week before she was going to come home and passed away. I lost all interest in making knives and even thought about giving up on my hobby. As I've already paid my course fees I pushed on with the ABS course and the experience has changed my life drastically!
I've found a passion that I never knew I had. Taking a piece of plain, dull steel and forming it into a beautiful, useful item. Finally I've discovered what my knifemaking has been lacking.....fire and hammer! In a way I feel like my stock removal habbit has been cured.
I still have a LOT to learn and a lot to practise, but in the long term, I definitely intend to take my bladesmithing past the apprentice stage and one day earn my name on the MS wall at the ABS school.
Hi,
Im so sorry to hear about your daughter. I dont think there are words I can speak to make things better. Hopefully, forging blades will help you fill in some of the blanks. The work I have been doing to prepare my forge etc has helped me cope with a long term illness, and I really hope you find some comfort in your new hobby.
Sounds like you might be able to find some nice pieces for you handles through your work? I would be interested in some pieces of South African wood if you find yourself with some spare.
Welcome to ABS! I think you will find that its a place full of nice and caring people, who are happy to answer any questions you may have <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
Phillip
Welcome to the ABS and the Forum.
I can only imagine what you and your wife may feel. You have my prayers.
WE were notified on the forum that Kevin Harvey lost his mother the other day.
I am glad that you have found a hobby to fill the void that you have.
Prayers to you and Kevin.
Anthony
|quoted:
Hi,
Im so sorry to hear about your daughter. I dont think there are words I can speak to make things better. Hopefully, forging blades will help you fill in some of the blanks. The work I have been doing to prepare my forge etc has helped me cope with a long term illness, and I really hope you find some comfort in your new hobby.
Sounds like you might be able to find some nice pieces for you handles through your work? I would be interested in some pieces of South African wood if you find yourself with some spare.
Welcome to ABS! I think you will find that its a place full of nice and caring people, who are happy to answer any questions you may have <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
Hi Erik. Thanks for the Welcome!
Perhaps you could try Prosono Timbers or Bez blocks think they are more geared towards exporting and from experience, their products are worthwhile getting. They sell processed products. Moving unprocessed timber across borders is not really advisable due to quarantine and legal reasons....
|quoted:
Phillip
Welcome to the ABS and the Forum.
I can only imagine what you and your wife may feel. You have my prayers.
WE were notified on the forum that Kevin Harvey lost his mother the other day.
I am glad that you have found a hobby to fill the void that you have.
Prayers to you and Kevin.
Anthony
Thanks Anthony.
Looking forward to learn a lot from fellow members!<img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
Phillip
Welcome to the American Bladesmith Society and the ABS Forum. Please ask any questions that you have about Bladesmithing techniques and our knowledgeable members will assist you.
You had two outstanding instructors in Master Smiths Kevin and Heather Harvey at your Introduction to Bladesmithing course at Heavin Forge School in Belfast, South Africa. Sally and I recently met with them at the Quad State conference in Troy, Ohio where they were feature demonstrators. The SOFA sponsored Quad State Conference had an international theme with demonstrators from South Africa, Ireland, and Germany and had more than 1,200 blacksmiths attend. I had the opportunity to photograph and film Kevin and Heather's forging and heat treating demonstration and will soon post videos on the ABS YouTube Channel.
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
Send an email to Dan
Welcome Phillipe. I am sorry to hear about your daughter. Prayers are sent to you and your wife.
I also recently met Kevin and Heather at the hammer-in in Arkansas this fall and they are wonderful people and great instructors. I wish you the best and look forward to seeing the knives you produce. Post some pictures when you can.
Best regards,
Scott
Thanks a bunch for the tip Phillip! I am new as well (just recently wrote my introduction post!) and as a student out on a long-term illness, I am always looking for ways to produce knives that dont bankrupt me <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> At the same time I have a thing for "exotic" woods, and have just started building my forge etc. so I havent been able to "build up" a selection of materials for handles!
Again, welcome to ABS! If there is anything you could want from Norway, all you need to do is let me know, and I will arrange for shipping etc. (that goes for everyone here)
All the best,
Erik
Welcome Phillip! Sorry for your loss.I sincerely hope you enjoy your new found love ,
Scott
|quoted:
Phillip
Welcome to the American Bladesmith Society and the ABS Forum. Please ask any questions that you have about Bladesmithing techniques and our knowledgeable members will assist you.
You had two outstanding instructors in Master Smiths Kevin and Heather Harvey at your Introduction to Bladesmithing course at Heavin Forge School in Belfast, South Africa. Sally and I recently met with them at the Quad State conference in Troy, Ohio where they were feature demonstrators. The SOFA sponsored Quad State Conference had an international theme with demonstrators from South Africa, Ireland, and Germany and had more than 1,200 blacksmiths attend. I had the opportunity to photograph and film Kevin and Heather's forging and heat treating demonstration and will soon post videos on the ABS YouTube Channel.
Hi Dan.
Thanks!
We saw all the pictures the Harveys took when they were at the Quad state roundup. Sooooooo jealous of all the awesome secondhand stuff that was being sold. Over here you don't always find such awesome things on sale and if you do, they are normally expensive as they are being sold as "antiques".
Maybe in a few years I'll come join you for the music and moonshine evening <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />
Hello Phillip. You and your family have my sympathies. The Harvey's are great people and I am glad they introduced you to your new passion. Let us know how we can help you achieve your goal.
Best regards
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
