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There is an experience that many beginning bladesmiths share, the first time they work with the fire, heating a piece of steel and forging it into a recognizable shape, and that experience is a feeling of returning. Bladesmithing is an age old craft and somehow, through the thousands of years, it is as though the craft has imprinted itself on us. When I began to forge, it was as if a door on history had opened for me and walking through that door, I began a journey.
In ancient times, when the fate of nations depended on the skill of their smiths, it was vital to keep secret the knowledge of the craft. There was a point, not too long ago however, when the craft was nearly lost. In this country, it was through the unselfish efforts of men like Bill Moran, Daryl Meier, Jimmy Fikes, Jim Batson and Don Hastings that keep it alive. Bill Moran and B.R. Hughes dedicated themselves to restoring the craft of bladesmithing and by creating the American Bladesmith Society established a vehicle to teach and pass on the knowledge. Today, year long classes covering all aspects of knifemaking are taught under the auspices of Texarkana College at the ABS school in Washington, Arkansas. For more information click on the American Bladesmith Society link.
It may seem like an unusual thing to train your competition, but there is an obligation that comes when you are given knowledge to pass it on and not let it die. It is with that sense of obligation that I want to dedicate my efforts through this medium to share my knowledge. I do not have the time to talk or correspond with everyone who is interested in bladesmithing, but I will share via this site and through various teaching engagements. I welcome contributions and links that relate to the craft of bladesmithing, please share and I will do my best to incorporate it.
One last note, when you learn something, give credit where it due. This free sharing of knowledge can only continue if it is not stolen. It is common academic practice to give credit for ideas with the originator of that idea, it only benefits you to acknowledge the teacher who passed it on to you. Also remember, when you become the student, you also become the teacher.
To keep this site organized and fast, I will create separate pages and links
for the different topics discussed. Click on link to go to the page.
Building a digitally controller, gas fire heat treating furnace
My friend Bill says
I'd better get back to work