Archive of Bulletin Board Updates

9/25/07 Reno Expo 2007 Raffle Knives tickets are now available.

The ABS Journal, Summer 2006 is now in print and features: Buddy Thomason's column on "The Kindred Spirit Mailbox"; inside and back cover features the knives that won ABS awards; the center fold features the ABS winners of the Blade Magazine's Best of Show Awards; Jimmy Buckner is the master smith profile feature; editor, Carolyn Hughes gives a complete report of the ABS activities at the 2006 Blade Show; Houston Price provides and up to date report on the National Knife Museum; B.R. Hughes covers ABS activities at the French hammer-in at Thiers, France; plus a number of other articles and ABS news and information.

Ken and Paula Largin are setting up a knifemaker's co-op in an historic brick building about 100 feet from the National Knife Museum and the largest cutlery store in the world, the Smoky Mountain Knifeworks.There is room for several knifemakers. For more information contact Ken at 765-969-5012

Power hammers and tools for sale on Tailgate Tools, check it out.

8/16/06 William F. Moran Estate auction will be held at his shop in Middletown, MD on October 6-7, 2006 and at his home in Braddock Heights, MD. For more information contact Robert Wilson

8/1/06  Rick Dunkerly has accepted the duties of Hammer-In Czar for the ABS.  Smiths who would like to organize or take part in a Hammer-In please contact Rick.  Contact information: Rick Dunkerly,P.O. Box 582, Seeley Lake, MT., 59868, tel. 406-677-5496, e-mail: rick@dunkerlyhandmadeknives.com 

7/9/06 The ABS Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 1 PM at the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock, AR. For more information download the pdf HOF2006

The application form for the Scott Taylor Memorial Scholarship to the ABS School has been posted online.

Jim Batson has found a source for W-2 , Tremblay Tool Steels (330)467-4725 Email Stan Cochoc

If you have photos that are ABS related, news or information that would benefit the membership please send it along for publication on the website. This is an open resource for our members and we are not utilizing it fully. Send to Webmaster

5/29/06 The Auction Knives for the Blade Show 2006 have been posted and we are now accepting bids.

The American Bladesmith Journal has issued a special edition, "Remembering Bill." It will be on sale at the Blade Show for $5 and available after by contacting Jan DuBois. Please add $5 for shipping.

We have had several more memories and recollections added to the Moran Memorial along with pictures to the Gallery section and a photo gallery of Bill teaching wire inlay at a class in 2004 submitted by Billy Bob Sowell.

The Blade Show is right around the corner so be sure to get your Awards Banquet tickets. There will be an auction at the Awards Banquet so if you are planning on submitting items send me a photo for the web site.

Scotty Hayes is now selling Chinese Air Hammers

3/19/06 The Board of Director's knife for the ABS Auction at the upcoming Blade Show 2006, Atlanta, GA is finished and posted on the home page. This was the last blade that Bill Moran made and is a classic Moran. We will be setting up an auction page on the website as more pictures become available and will be taking bids as we have in the past, so be sure to stay tuned.

We have added a few more pictures to the Moran Gallery and have added more contributions to the Memorial Page and Recollections.

We are coming into the season for Events so please check for information.

The Reno Show 2006 Gallery pictures from the recent Reno show.

Finally, Hurricane Katrina wreaked devastation on a huge area of the Gulf coast. Knifemakers Mary and Charlie Dake lost everything in the storm. They posted some pictures on their gallery. They could use a hand.

Mary or Charlie Dake, c/o Linda Duerson
1404 Melody Lane 
Metairie, La.  70002

Cell  (504)343-0357

If you would like to contribute to the web site contact Webmaster.

2/19/06 Bill Moran Memorial page. We are setting up a page for you to share your pictures and recollections of Bill, send submissions to Webmaster

2/12/06 Bill Moran passed away this morning at 4:00 AM.

Funeral Arrangements

The viewing hours for receiving friends are on Thursday, Feb. 16th from 3:00-5:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday the 17th.  Both days are at the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701.  Bill's remains will be cremated after that and the Inurnment will be at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery at 10 a.m. on Saturday the 18th.

12/07/05 Oops!! The recent mailer with the membership renewal forms had the the regular membership dues listed as $50.00. The Regular Membership Fee is $60.00. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Timmy Price has just listed a complete knifemaking shop for sale on Tailgate Tools

It has been pretty quiet around here. If you have news, photos or links that you think the membership would enjoy, please send them along for possible posting on the website. Webmaster

11/18/05 The ABS School Schedule for 2006 is posted. ABS member John Heaney has a knife featured in Blade Magazine's Knifemaker's Showcase.

9/28/05 We have amended the Moran Bladesmithing Exposition & Knife Show PDF file to include the hourly schedule for the hammer. Click on the link and scroll to the end.

9/16/05  We are no longer compiling points in the ABS cutting competitions counting towards places in the championship finals at the Blade Show. For the past several months we are only awarding plaques to the winners of cutting events at the various hammer-ins. Dickie Robinson won the recent competition at Troy, Ohio. Last spring Reggie Barker won the spring Piney Woods hammer-in.

Other events will be held at the Moran hammer-in, the Alabama Forge Council, and the spring Piney Woods hammer-in. Possibly others. The winners of the various events will be invited by Blade Magazine to participate in the national finals at the 2006 Blade Show. Check out the ABS Events page for dates and information.

Check out the Bladesmith's in the News for articles about our members.

8/14/05 The Reno Bladesmithing Exposition 2006 information has been posted. We will be adding information and pictures as the show approaches.

Jody Muller, JS, has a nice article in Knife World, July 2005.

You may notice the new look to the site. I have been working on faster loading pages with a consistent navigation scheme. This is taking some time to implement, but please contact me if you are experiencing problems.

8/8/05 I just received this email from Don Hethcoat telling me that Kay and Joe Cordova son Phillip passed away yesterday. The family was all in San Diego when he passed. He will be cremated and flown to Santa Fe, funeral services have not been announced.

It is also with regret that we note that Buster Warenski has passed away this past week too. Buster was an icon in our business and will be sorely missed.

6/20/05 Our deepest sympathies go out to new Mastersmith John Horrigan and his family on the recent loss of John's twin brother Robert. Bob was serving his fifth tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed in action this past week. John has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to go to an education fund for the children of fallen soldiers.

BR has posted a summary of the recent Blade show in the B.R. Report including the list of our newest JS and MS members. Roger Pinnock posted a pictorial of the Blade show on Blade Forums and Bill North is hosting a gallery of the 2005 Cutting Championship.

On June 28th near Little Rock, AR there will be an equipment auction of interest to knifemakers.

5/25/05  The ABS Online Auction is starting to pick up steam and there is a new collaboration knife being offered this year Mastersmith's Collaboration. We are still waiting for the photo to post, but it is a matched set of dueling Bowiers.

 Bladesmith's in the News, BR tells us that ABS members are getting some good coverage in the latest issues.

ABS member Wayne Goddard has undergone heart surgery and is recovering at home. We wish Wayne a speedy recovery.

5/5/05 Larry got it wrong. The Parent Child weekend is June 17-19, 2005 Call him to complain.

5/4/05 There will be a Parent and Youth weekend at Lonesome Pine Forge, Bristol, TN May 17-19, 2005. Classes will be taught by Larry Harley and Wes Byrd. Participants should bring their own safety glasses, aprons, gloves and hammers. For more information contact Larry at 276-466-6771 or 423-571-0638 or Email

5/2/05 From BR: At the spring Piney Woods cutting competition yesterday, we had beautiful weather, and l4 contestants. The contest was won by Reggie Barker, Springhill, LA, with John Horrigan, Burnet, TX, taking second, and John Fitch, Clinton, AR in third place. Reggie set a new record for the 2x4 chop as it is currently conducted, with the 2x4 being held in place by the competition table with a time of 4.7 seconds. John Fitch holds the record for a hand-held 2x4 with 2.7 seconds.

This was the first contest held under the new guidelines. In the past, points earned by placement in the contests were compiled, and the four contestants with the most points earned slots at the national finals in Atlanta. Effective with this contest, each "cutter" who wins a competition automatically qualify for the finals. Hence, Reggie has already earned a spot at the 2006 championship finals. The next ABS sanctioned contest with be held at the Mid Ameirca Knife Forging Expo to be held in Troy, Ohio, in August.
 

4/29/05 Joe Cordova underwent abdominal surgery a month ago and is still in the hospital. As Chuck Bennett told me, "Joe needs some serious knee mail." So if you would keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

4/25/05 We have pictures of the new Journeyman's knife and T.O.M.B. posted on the 2005 ABS Auction Time to start getting ready for the Blade show, get your bids in now. Check the Events board for coming events. On tap is the Spring Piney Woods Hammer In, Old Washington, AR April 30-May 1, 2005 and the Northwest Hammer In 2005, May 7-8, 2005, Bothell, WA.

4/12/05 Buddy Thomason has posted pictures of the recent Batson Bladesmithing Symposium http://www.knifenetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28022   Check out Tailgate Tools if you have something to sell or buy. We are now taking bids on the ABS Auction Knives.

4/6/05 Adam Des Rosiers, Juneau, Alaska, took top honors in the Alabama Forge Couincil Cutting Competition, held Saturday, April 2, at Tannehill State Park, near Birmingham. Reggie Barker, Springhill, LA, finished second, while Dickie Robinson, Vega, TX, finished third. This was the final competition of the season that began in May, 2004, and ended April 2 in Alabama.

The five competitors who will vie for the national championship in Atlanta at the 2005 Blade Show will be Reggie Barker, the 2004 national champion; Dickie Robinson, Dan Farr, Buffalo, NY; Adam Des Rosiers, and Dan Winkler, Blowing Rock, NC. Jerry Fisk, czar of ABS cutting competitions, will be in charge of the championship finals in Atlanta.

A reminder from BR Report, those of you who are submitting knives for JS judging in Atlanta, do not use Damascus on the knives either blades or fittings.

3/19/05 ABS member James Cook's new grandchild needs our prayers and support. Doc Wacholz has a 25lb Little Giant for sale check Tailgate Tools for more information.

3/13/05  Check out the latest Bladesmith's in the News for recent and upcoming articles. The ABS Cookbook is available in the ABS Store along with the new ABS coffee mugs. We have begun to post the pictures for the 2005 ABS Auction for the coming Blade Show June 3, 2005. More photos will be posted when they arrive. There are some beautiful knives this year so don't miss your opportunity and place a bid online. The highest bid received online will be the opening bid at the actual auction. Will will also have phones available for call in bidding during the auction.

2/18/05 The 2005 ABS Reno Exposition was very successful. We experienced a 20% increase in attendance and in sales over last year’s total. The Silent Auction of twelve knives was new to the show and it went over well. We will continue with this concept for the 2006 Show.

The Hendrickson and Batson Raffle Knives were won by Tim Hancock (Hendrickson Knife), and James J. Treacy (Batson Knife).

This is a great show. Collectors and those interested in the forged Blade should consider attending this outstanding show, January 20, 21 & 22, 2006. The Reno Committee thanks all of the exhibitors who contributed to the Friday evening Auction and to all of the Collectors who attended and made our Exposition so successful.

Jay Hendrickson & Johnny Perry, Reno Expo Co-Chairmen

This is Ray Kirk and I would like for you to post a bit of news as to a new knife organization that we are forming here in Oklahoma. It is patterned after the ABS and the AKA and open to any one that has an interest in knives and is willing to share their information. Our web site is www.theknifegroup.com and the membership dues are only $20.00 for serious members and $5.00 for curious members. Curious members will only receive the newsletter by email and the serious will receive it by mail and email. All the information for joining is listed on the web site.
 

2/5/2005 Please Join us To celebrate the life and works of Scott Taylor

Sunday February 27, 2005 We will begin gathering together at 4:00 p.m.
At the home of Chet and Connie Hood
1309 Killarney Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90065

Please respond if you are planning to attend so that we can plan parking and refreshments.

RSVP to: Jean Cogley (Margaret's Mom)
jpcogley@msn.com or 310-398-7984

Directions:
The house is located at the edge of Elyria Canyon State Park on Mount Washington.
Plan to come in via San Rafael Avenue, to the end and turn R onto Avenue 37 to the end. Abandon your vehicle where you can, and walk around the corner and down the hill to our back yard. If weather is bad, we will be in the house.

For those of you unable to attend in person I know you will be with us in spirit. Thank you

The Reno show was a success and held its own on a very busy knife show weekend.

1/2/05 The Exhibitor list for the 2005 Reno show has been posted.

Suzanne Keeslar had bipass surgery on the December 17th and is home and oing very well.

The Johnston family received a early Christmas gift yesterday, and that Clayton got a clean bill of health from his Orthopedic Oncologist. Clayton is doing very well in the 2nd grade, and has expressed a interest in forging some more knife blades, so out in the garage we will head this Christmas break. I just wanted to let everyone know what is happening in Clayton's life and to "Thank" everyone who has made his life a little brighter with there compassion.
William "Bebe" Johnston

12/21/04 The Reno Show is right around the corner January 28-30, 2005. There will be some rare and excellent knives offered at the Reno Show Auction this year. This is one of the best custom knife shows of the year, a must see event, so make your plans to join us in Reno. Silent Auction will be set up for this show with selected knives by various makers. This is to insure that all collectors will have the opportunity to buy knives at the show.

ABS member Bailey Bradshaw lost his father last Friday. Bailey's dad (Big Bailey) was a lifelong farrier who taught Bailey smithing at an early age. Big Bailey traveled Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Arkansas servicing some of the top horse farms in the country. He was at a horse farm in Lake Charles, La. doing what he loved to do when his heart gave out. He was a true artist at what he did, and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

A Knife's Tale Told

Paula Gibbs

It's the kind of story that gives you goose bumps. A knife is left on a flower box in the parking lot of a small shopping mall in Wiscasset by the owner of a landscaping business. Found the same day and turned over to the local police, it was given to the finder after a year when no one came to claim it. Sixteen years later, two friends and co-workers are at the Wiscasset Community Center cooking breakfast for the members when an off-hand comment leads to the realization that Kerry Leeman's lost knife has been in the hands of his next door neighbor, Bob MacDonald, for the last 15 years. The comment came from "Mudd" Sharrigan, who works nights at the community center. Both MacDonald and Leeman work at the community center as well. As Sharrigan was going through the line to pick up his breakfast, he noticed Kerry had a knife in his hand, and said, "Hey, let me know if you need that knife sharpened." A few minutes later, after Sharrigan had left, MacDonald told Leeman that Sharrigan not only sharpened knives, he also made them. "I used to have a knife made by a famous knife maker," Leeman told MacDonald. "I won it in a raffle at the Brunswick Lodge of Elks a long time ago," he continued. "It was back when I had a landscaping business. I hardly ever used the knife, but I needed it while I was working on some flowers in a flower box at the Wiscasset Marketplace. I went off to do something else, then remembered later that day that I had left the knife there. I went back to get it, but it was gone. I can't tell you how many times I went back to look for it." "I just thought it was gone," Leeman continued. "I had done a stupid thing." MacDonald thought back to the night 16 years ago when he had left an auto parts store at the shopping mall. As he walked by a flower box in the parking lot, he noticed an unusual and distinctive knife with a leather sheaf next to it. He had picked it up and taken it to the police station. "When Kerry started describing the knife he had lost, I got this really fuzzy feeling," MacDonald said. "I suddenly realized he was talking about the knife I had picked up at the flower box. He described it to a T' including the elk on the handle, the blade, and the Elks emblem on the sheaf." "I looked at Kerry, and I said, I've got your knife.' " "I couldn't believe it," Leeman said. "After all these years, Bob, who has lived next door to me for four years, had found the knife and returned it to me." "I was thrilled to give it back to him," MacDonald said. The two were already good friends, but the return of the knife has solidified their friendship even more. "I really felt guilty, taking it back, because Bob had taken such good care of it all these years," Leeman said. "It's in beautiful condition," he continued. "You would never know he carried it all these years." MacDonald said after he turned it in to the police station, he forgot about it for a couple of years, then went back to see if anyone had claimed it. "David Timms gave it to me," he said, referring to a former Wiscasset police officer. "When I picked it up I noticed it was a Larry Fuegen (pronounced "Fagan") knife. He's a very famous knife maker." MacDonald said one of Fuegen's knives is in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. Fuegen, who now lives in Arizona, has won countless awards for his knives. According to his website, www. larryfuegen.com, Fuegen started forging knives in 1975; in 1987 he became a full-time bladesmith and received his American Bladesmith Society Journeyman rating. In 1988 he joined the Knifemakers Guild. In another odd twist of fate, Leeman worked with Feugen's wife Linda at Maine Yankee in the 1980s when the couple lived in Wiscasset The Feugens later moved to Arizona, MacDonald Says. "I never felt like the knife was truly mine," MacDonald said. "I always knew if I found out whose it was, I would give it back."

12/07/04

12/05/04 We are sad to report that California master smith Scott Taylor, 49, died Wednesday night of a heart attack. No previous history of heart problems. Scott had taught at the school this year and was scheduled to teach in 2005. Our heart felt condolences go out to his family.

Engraving for Knifemakers with Steve Dunn will be taught at GRS

Bladesmith's in the News BR has posted a heads up on ABS members in the news. If you have been featured recently let us know and we will post it.

12/05/04 The new Feb. 2005 issue of Knives Illustrated includes feature articles on Dan Farr and Jason Howell, plus an article on the bladesmiths who received journeyman smith ratings at the 2004 Blade Show in Atlanta. There is also an article by Mac Overton on the ABS cutting competition at the Spirit of Steel show in Grapevine, TX this past September.
The new Dec. 2004 issue of Knife World contains an excellent article on hammer-ins by Mark Zalesky, the editor of Knife World.
 

11/02/04 Steve Shackleford has written an editorial and a feature article in the new January 2005 issue of Blade Magazine on an obscure writer named B. R. Hughes. With glowing remarks made by friends such as Bill Moran, James Powell, Jimmy Crowell, and Jeffrey Harris.  Steve also recognizes the contributions made by Carolyn Hughes. BR is the backbone of the ABS and we are indebted by his efforts, so it is fitting that our writer has been recognized.

10/08/2004 The latest, Dec. 2004 copy of Knives Illustrated features profiles on Steve Dunn and Billy Bob Sowell plus an article on the six smiths who received their mastersmith rating at this past June's Blade Show.

10/03/04 The new October 2004 issue of Knife World contains an article on ABS journeyman bladesmith John White, who won the George Peck at the 2004 Blade Show. John's story begins on page one of this issue. BR

9/13/04 The latest November 2005 issue of Blade Magazine has an article on stress risers co-authored by Dr. James Batson.

7/30/04 The brand new issue of Knives Illustrated features profiles of journeyman bladesmith John Martin and master bladesmith Doug Noren. In addition, Blade has an article on a pioneer Oklahoma bladesmith written by John Martin, who shows that he not only knows how to make a fine knife, he also knows how to spin a tale!

The latest Oct. issue of Blade is virtually a salute to the ABS! Steve Shackleford's editorial lauds the ABS for its cutting competitions, and there is a full-length story on the cutting competition put on by the ABS at this year's Blade Show. There is a wrap up of the Blade Magazine awards, dominated by ABS members, and a full-length story on the ABS's award banquet with a number of photographs. The cover features Reggie Barker's competition knife. BR
 

7/19/04 Article in the upcoming August issue of Knife World on ABS activities at the Blade Show, lists of award winners, new MS & JS, etc. etc. By the esteemed Mr. Hughes of course.

7/06/04  Just got my new Blade, the Sept. 2004 issue, and master bladesmith James Walker is featured in an article written by Darby Neaves. Very well-written with some good pictures. BR

6/27/04 The new, July, 2004, issue of Knife World contains a story about Brett Gatlin, an ABS apprentice bladesmith, written by Jim Williamson. Brett is a frequent participant in Uncle Al Lawrence's monthly mini hammer-ins  at DeQueen, Ark. Brett's work shows the influence of ABS master smith Roger Massey, who has been a major influence in Brett's bladesmithing career.

Bailey Bradshaw has been featured both on KLTV's web site and in the Gilmer Mirror

5/26/04 Journeyman Bladesmith Dale Baxter is featured in a six page article in the Blade Show edition of Blade Magazine. The article focuses on a knife that Dale made for a customer with prosthetic hooks in place of hands. The article is an inspiration to the forged blade and the ABS. Dale is a rising star and a fine example of what the ABS needs to support it's future. The article starts on page 92.

5/22/04 Terry Primos is featured in the June 2004 issue of Knives Illustrated. The article was written by B.R. Hughes and begins on page 74.

Tom Johnson is featured in the Outdoors section of The Flint Journal March 11, 2004 titled "Man of Steel." On the custom forged, pattern welded knives of Tom Johnson an ABS member living in Baldwin, MI. I found this article to be informative and a good showcase to intrigue people on the beauty and the intricacies of a modern forged knife. submitted by Chris Johnson

5/21/04 The new, August, 2004, issue of Knives Illustrated has articles on ABS bladesmiths James Rodebaugh and Jerry Grice. Rodebaugh is an ABS journeyman bladesmith and Grice is an apprentice bladesmith.

5/14/04 An article about Ken Durham, ABS Journeyman Bladesmith, appears in the new, July 4, 2004, issue of Blade Magazine. The article begins on page 28 and features four color shots of Ken's Bowie knives. From BR.

11/14/04 Reno Auction Items page has been posted with pictures of knives donated by Daniel Winkler and Murray M.Carter. The California Forging Clinic flyer is posted for March 19-20, 2005, Pomona, CA.

11/09/04 Cutting Competition Rules have been posted off the Cutting Competiton page. This has become an exciting event for everyone at the hammerins and you are encouraged to participate, but read the rules so there won't be any problems. They have been set up to insure a safe event.

11/07/04 Old Pineywoods 2004 Gallery pictures from the recent hammerin Oct 30-31,2004, sponsored by Texarkana College and sanctioned by the ABS. Photos submitted by B.R. Hughes and Arthur Britton.

11/02/04 The cutting competition standings have been corrected in the BR Report sorry for the previous ommissions. In Bladesmith's News we have received notice that our own BR is the subject of an up coming editorial. Any pictures from the international hammerin at Old Washington? Looking a big hammer or some small ones? Check out Tailgate Tools.

11/01/04 Update in the BR Report on the Piney Woods hammer-in at Old Washington, Arkansas and the cutting competition standing after that event.

10/30/04 Photogallery from the Great Northwest Hammerin.

10/28/04 BR Report on The Great Northwest Blade Forging and Knife Expo as well as the updated standings in the cutting competition. I will append an excellent write up on the hammerin by Robert D. Hartman for another perspective. I wish I had photos to share, send me an email if have some. Webmaster

10/24/04 The 2005 ABS School Schedule has been posted. Also Scotty has posted the application form for the Don Hastings Scholarship so you can print it off and send it in. Nancy Hendrickson reminds us that the Reno show is fast approaching and we need the information on your Auction item and your sold Raffle Tickets. Send me a picture of your auction item along with details for posting on the website. Webmaster ABS

10/08/2004 BR Report has a recap of the recent Moran Hammerin plus and update on the Cutting Competition standings. Bladesmith's in the News has the latest on members in the news.

10/05/04 Roger Pinnock did a write up on the Spirit of Steel show for Bladeforums with the SOS Cutting Competition on another thread. Thanks Roger.

10/03/04 Buddy Thomason posted a great write up on the Scagel Bladeforging Exposition at Knifenetwork forum. BR added to Bladesmith's In the News and a nice write up on 2004 Spirit of Steel show at the BR Report. Check out Tailgate Tools for a new photo of Bill Fiorini's blade forging hammers and a tool sale by Lowell Lockett.

9/12/04 Photogallery Scagel 04 from the Scagel Bladeforging Exposition sent in by Daniel Cassidy. BR Report BR lists the standings for the cutting competitions after the Scagel event and other news. Ray Kirk wants to announce a custom knife show in Henryetta, OK November 6, 2004. For more information check out the flyer at Raker Knives.

8/13/04 Just a quick note to say that today August 11th Clayton Johnston is scheduled to have surgery on his eyes, this will be his 5th surgery in 3 years. They are now telling us that one of the drugs used during his chemotherapy drugs has effected his eyes. Anyone wishing to send a "get well" e-mail is welcome to do so, the address is beebee@neo.rr.com.

7/30/04 Bladesmith's are in the News this month. Check out BR's summary. Nancy Hendrickson has sent me new directions for the 2nd Annual W.F. Moran Blade Forging and Knife Exposition coming up this October. Mark your calendars for the upcoming the 4th Annual Scagel Blade Forging and Knife Exposition this August in Ravenna, MI.

7/28/04 ABS Raffle Knives for Reno 2005 is now posted. Check it out. Each $10 ticket has two chances to win! For show information go to ABS Knife Exposition Reno 2005

Travel Discounts for Reno 2005 check out the discounts when you book your travel to Reno 2005.

7/19/04 The Great Northwest Blade Forging & Knife Exposition will take place October 22-24, 2004 at Spokane, WA. Follow the link for more information.

Check Bladesmiths In the News for the latest member news. Please submit any news items to Webmaster

7/11/04 The SouthEastern Custom Knife Show Sept 10, 2004 will host the Bowie Knife and Scagel Symposium will feature Buddy Thomason, Dr. James Batson, and Mark Zalesky. The symposium starts at 3PM at the Benton Convention Center Ballroom - 301 W. 5th St, Winston-Salem, NC.

New tapping tool on Tailgate Tools

7/06/04 Check out Tailgate Sales for new items including shop stuff posted by W. Pollock for Mark Brightwell's wife. Also, Ed Caffrey is coming out with some new bladesmithing videos. Bladesmiths in the News alerts us to an article on James Walker.

6/27/04 B.R. Report, the new Journeyman Smiths for 2004. Bladesmith's in the News Bailey Bradshaw and Brett Gatlin get some good press. We are looking for pictures to post on the web site; new work, events, people. Members if you have pictures you would like to share please submit them to Webmaster. Ideally, they should be 640x480 and no larger than 50k, but if you don't understand that send what you have. Thanks.

6/22/04 Tailgate Tools is a new page set up for the members to post tools and equipment that they want to sell. If you would like to post and item send me a description, photo, selling price and contact information. Also when an item sells please let me know so we can mark it sold.

The results of the World Cutting Competition at the recent Blade show have been posted on the B.R. Report Congratulations.

We have the new Johnny Stout's Hollow Grinding video out now on DVD. Go to the ABS store for more information.

6/11/04 By all reports, this years Blade Show was a huge success. A summary of awards is listed in the B.R. Report We hope to have more show details and photos coming. If you would like to contribute to the web site please Email, photos, write ups and news are welcome. Also, remember we have a Bladesmith's in the News page so please let us know if there is an item that needs posting.

5/31/04 For sale, a Fujifilm 3800 digital camera. 3.2megs. $265. Like new, contact. L.C. Lockett ph 541-756-1614 or email

For Sale, 150 lb Barbour power hammer. For go to Power Hammer Tommy McNabb.

5/30/04 The 2004 Blade Show is at hand. The Online Auction is in full swing and now is the time to get your bid in. We will stop accepting online bids at midnight Wednesday, June 2, 2004. The highest online bid will be the opening bid at the auction. If you would like to participate by phone during the auction please Email your name and number and we will contact you prior to the start of the auction on Friday at 11 am.

Auction items are coming for the ABS Banquet Auction including a beautiful hand forged, ABS commemorative wreath by J.W. Randall. Image of the wreath is on the Banquet page.

Bladesmith News has been updated. If you know of any articles about our members please send along the pertinent information to Webmaster.

5/22/04 We created a new page for the web site called ABS Bladesmiths in the News where we will post information about articles done on our members. If you have information to add please send it along to Webmaster.

The 4th Annual Scagel Blade Forging and Knife Exhibition information is now posted with demonstrators and sign up information.

The recent show at the Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts went well, we had 1142 people see our work in a different way. The most common remark heard was:" these people ought to be making jewelry." I answered the same questions at least 100 times, but I didn't mind because the 'Art' community has never seen our tools as art.

The collaboration knife made by Johnny Stout and Wallace Pollock, was won by a new maker in Kinder, La. Bruce Holmes, was very pleased, and asked how do you guys get that kind of finish on the blades. My reply was, 6 to 25 hours of hand rubbing. OH! goodness was the reply.
Next year we hope to have a national panel to judge the blades in the show, and all members of the ABS, Guild and anyone that thinks his/her work is able to be in an art gallery setting. This first show was Texas makers only just to see how it would be received. Most of us contacted collectors and customers for display knives.

The ABS was well represented, Harvey Dean, Jarrell Lambert, Johnny Stout, Wallace Pollock,. The Guild had CR Evans,I don't have the list in front of me just now but most of the contributors were members of the Guild, or the ABS, all the people that displayed knives were members of the TKCA [Texas Knifemakers and Collectors Association] We had High Art pieces from J L Jensen,David \Broadwell, and interesting damascus from Gene Osborn, impeccable knives from Harvey Dean, Bill Ruple and Leon Triebler. submitted by Wally Pollock

The Blade Show is right around the corner. Be sure to check the ABS Schedule of events for the show. See you there.
 

5/17/04 The ABS Banquet Auction is going to have lots of interesting items this year. The Mastersmith's Quilt is finished and it is a labor of love. This is effort records a moment in our history and is a true collectible.

5/14/04 BR Report reminder to check out the latest issue of Blade Magazine for an article on ABS member Ken Durham. The Northwest Hammer In 2004 is scheduled for June 19 & 20, 2004 check Events for contact information.

Get your bid in on the fine knives we will have for auction at the Blade Show. Time is running out.

5/5/04 Check out the BR Report for a short recap of the Piney Woods Hammerin. Bids are coming in on the Online Auction, check out the wonderful knives available this year and place your bid.

4/25/04 The Online Auction has begun. We have many fine knives available that will be auction at the coming Blade Show June 4-6, 2004 at the Cobb Galleria Center, Atlanta, Georgia. You can place a bid on these knives online. The highest bid will be the opening bid at the auction. We will also have phone capabilities if you would like to bid during the event. Phone bid service must be set up prior to the show contact Bert Gaston (501)868-1793 or (501)912-8226 for details.

Check out the BR Report for information on the May 1-2, 2004 hammerin at Piney Woods and a Reno Review by the show committee.

The ABS Schedule for the 2004 Blade Show in Atlanta is now posted. A hard copy of this schedule appears in the next edition of the Bladesmith's Journal.

3/20/04 BR wants to remind folks that the cutting competition at the 16th Annual Batson Bladesmithing Symposium on April 2, starting at 6 p.m. will determine the fifth contestant who will participate in the National Cutting Championship, sponsored by Krause Publishing Co., Inc.at this year's Blade Show in Atlanta in June. Four of the contestants are already assured of a spot at the nationals: Reggie Barker, Mike Bauer, Jimmy Crowell, and John Fitch. The top contenders for the fifth spot are Jerry Lairson, Dickie Robinson, and Charles Smale. Following the cutting competition in Alabama, Jerry Fisk, vice president of the ABS and commissioner of cutting competitions, will announce who has been selected to take the fifth spot at the nationals, which is a "wild card" slot, to be chosen by Jerry, Mike Williams, assistant commissioner of competitions, and the judges, timers, and scorekeepers.
 

3/19/04 Al Williams, a lingtime member and supporter of the ABS and a lifetime member of TOMB, died earlier this month in Lake Wales, Florida. Al was a splendid gentleman and a noted knife collector. Everyone who knew him will miss him very much.

The 4th Annual Scagel Blade Forging and Knife Exhibition schedule is posted as well as The Second Annual William F. Moran Blade Forging and Knife Exhibition. The hammer-ins are a wonderful opportunity to learn about bladesmithing and have become great knife shows as well. It is unique opportunity to pick up some hard to get knives from top makers and expand your appreciate of bladesmithing in the process. We have a good time so plan to join us.

A reminder that the 16th Annual Batson Bladesmithing Symposium is coming right up April 2-4, 2004 at Tannehill State Park, McCalla, AL.

2/12/04 WINNERS OF THE 2ND ABS RENO EXPOSITION RAFFLE
The Raffle drawings were held on Sunday, January 25, 2004.
Winner of the Daniel Winkler Cowboy Bowie was Jack Gaston. Winner of the Larry Fuegen Dagger was Gary Shaw. The ABS and the Reno Show Committee thank all of those who participated.

The B.R. Report this week has the Arkansas show winners and the details on a power hammer rebuilding class, check it out.

The Business of Art conference being held in the Philadelphia Area April 16, 2004 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Penn State Great Valley Malvern, PA. Registration and information 1-800-778-8632. The conference has been setup to cover common problems and solutions that artists face in running their business.
 

2/07/04 From the Chairman's Corner: An announcement to all Mastersmiths in the ABS. You will soon be receiving an envelope from me, in it there will be a letter of explination and a small silver plate. On which you are requested to stamp or affix your touch mark or marks. This plate along with a short biography of each smith will later be on display in the ABS wing of the Arkansas Territorial Museum in Little Rock. The purpose is to honor and recognize our Mastersmiths. Thank you for your cooperation in returning the bio sheet and silvber plate.

If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact Joe Keeslar
 

2/05/04 Buddy Thomason posted a great review of the ABS Reno show on the Custom Knife Collecting Forum at the Custom Knife Directory.

There will be a class offered at the University of Minnesota on Steel Making using the Traditional Japanese Tatara May 24 through June 7, 2004. Follow the hyperlink for more information.

2/0404 The Reno show was a big success. We had a good crowd waiting for the doors to open and when the dust settled most of the knives that were brought to the show had found new homes. The auction was a huge success as well with auctioneer Tim Ryan keeping everyone on their toes.

We are collecting items for the ABS Banquet Auction Information, Blade show 6/4/04. Please contribute to the auction.

The February, 2004 issue of Field and Stream includes a story on the Bowie knife and fetures a picture of a knife by MS Dan Winkler, quotes by Dr. Batson and mentions Joe Musso, a staunch supporter of the ABS. The article also mentions Bowie No. 1 that is on display at the Historic Museum of Arkansas which houses the ABS museum and hall of fame. BR Report

Holston Mountain Hammer-in, Bristol, TN March 12-14,2004. Advanced registration required.

The 2004 Arkansas Custom Knife Show will take place Feb. 7-8 in Little Rock at the Robinson Center Exhibition Hall in downtown Little Rock.
The Center is just west of the Old State Capitol on Markham Street.
Easy to find and lots of parking. This is not an official ABS show, but a large number of ABS smiths will attend including quite a few masters. Moreover, the ABS lads genrally dominate the awards. It's a classy show, and if you live within a few hours' drive, it's well worth attending.
 

1/1/04 Be sure to pick up a copy of the March 2004 Blade Magazine. It contains a great deal of material on the ABS, including a review of the 1st Bill Moran hammer-in held in October, 2003. The Blade also announced its Bladehandmade Awards, in which ABS smiths came out very well, including: Ron Newton- Best of Show Award; Richard Rogers- Best Miniature; Scott Taylor- Best Non-Damascus; Jerry Fisk-Best Hunter; Raymond Rybar-Best Damascus; and John Fitch-Best Fighter. Plus, in Steve Shackleford's "Makers to Watch in 2004" he listed journeyman smith Jason Titensvold and master smith J.W. Randall.

The donations are coming in for the Reno show auction, please send in your pictures as soon as possible for inclusion on the Donations page. The latest is a belt buckle from Hank Knickmeyer.

12/26/03 The 2004 Auction Knives are now posted. These are the knives that will be offered at the Blade Show 2004. More information will be posted on these pages as the time approaches, so this is just a preview.

Two new additions to the Reno Donations page by Mark Sentz and Gary House.

I have a Fujifilm 4700Z, 4.3 megapixel digital camera, for sale. It is in mint condition and takes great pictures. My price is $325.00. Contact me direct if interested at johnny@stoutknives.com or call me on 830-606-4067.Sold

12/12/03 From Wallace Pollock: I am a member of the board of director of the TKCA Texas Knifemakers and Collectors Association. We have secured a show venue at an art/craft gallery in Houston Texas.

11/29/03 Sold  25lb Little Giant Trip hammer with clutch in back and removable sow block. Hammer slides on side and 2hp motor. Very nice, My own personal hammer. $3000.00. Dickie Robinson 806 267 2629

11/25/03 With donations from the ABS and Tomb, the college has agreed to purchase a new air hammer from Tom Clark.
The new air hammer has been at the school since the Hammer-In on Nov. 01& Nov. 02, 2003.  We need to move these two hammers to raise the remainder of the sell price to Mr. Clark. 

Hammer 1) This hammer is in good working order, 50 # is located in the ABS school in Washington, AR (Before delivery, this hammer will be sand blasted & repainted by Al Lawrence, also the dies will be resurfaced).   Sale price:  $2,200.00

Hammer 2)  This hammer needs a little more attention.  This 50 # is located in DeQueen, AR at Al Lawrence's shop.
The clutch spring will need to be replaced, along with the front side brass shims.  Clutch spring and brass shim stock will be replaced and this hammer will be in good working order before any finalized sale.  For more information, you may telephone Al Lawrence at (870) 642-7643 -Riverside Machine Shop, DeQueen, Arkansas.  Sale price:  $1,700.00  

If you have interest in the above power hammers, please feel free to contact Scotty Hayes, Texarkana College, at
(903) 838-4541 ext. 3236 or email him at shayes@texarkanacollege.edu.
 

11/21/03 If you have folks you would like to add to the VIP list for the American Bladesmith Exposition 2004, Reno, Nevada, January 23-25, 2004, we will accept responses for VIP admission to the show up until the show. We do need to get RSVP responses for banquet ticket requests asap, in order to get our numbers in to the hotel caterers. Our goal is to accommodate everyone who wishes to attend the show and the banquet. For more information send an email to Reno Show.

We have a Donation page for the Reno show. If you plan to donate items for the show, please send your pictures and descriptions to Webmaster ABS

11/06/03 From ABS member Keith Kaiser FDNY. There is going to be an auction for the NYC Firefighter Burn Center to be held on Ebay November 10-20, 2003. Jerry Fisk is one of the knifemakers represented in the auction.

The Guadalupe Forge Winter Hammer-In & Knifemakers Rendezvous has been rescheduled for the weekend of Jan. 31 & Feb. 1, 2004 in New Braunfels, TX. Contact Johnny Stout at 830-606-4067, email, or Harvey Dean at 512-446-3111

11/04/03 The ABS Cutting Competition page has the rules and locations for the cutting competitions. Current cutting test leaders are at this time.

 John Fitch 31 points
 Mike Bauer 30.5 points
 Reggie Barker 30 points
 Jim Crowell 26 points
 Jerry Lairson 17 points
 Dicke Robinson 15 points

Of interests to all bladesmiths, Primal Fires www.primalblade.com are compiling a collective list of all bladesmiths and blacksmiths all over the world. This was done awhile ago. The results are here. http://groups.msn.com/TidewaterForge/mapofthesmiths.msnw?Page=1 It is time for a new one. The desire is to have a simple reference map of people interested in the arts of blacksmithing and bladesmithing, accessible to all. With this map the smithing community can be more closely knit. I know it helped me when trying to find a smith near me. Please send an e-mail to primalfires@hotmail.com Containing: Name, City, State, Email (optional) With “Smith Project” in the subject. Primal is not affiliated with the ABS and this information is posted in the interest of the members only.
 

10/30/03 Information about The 2nd American Bladesmith Exposition in Reno, NV is posted. A reminder to get your auction items in to Nancy and photos to me. The Piney Woods Hammer-in is this weekend in Old Washington, AR. Contact Scotty Hayes 903-838-4541 ext 237 for more information.

10/20/03 The 2004 ABS School Schedule of Classes has been posted check out the new offerings.

For Sale: 50 lb Little Giant Power Hammer, new style with clutch in the back and removable sow block, new motor. $2,500 Call Dickie Robinson for information 806-267-2629

10/1/03 W.F. Moran Jr. Blade Forging Demonstrations and Knife Show is coming up October 10-12,2003. The Schedule of events is posted for the hammerin.

The ABS Cook Book is soon to be published and we are looking for recipes and amusing stories from ABS members and spouses. If you would like to contribute please contact:

9/2/03 Two power hammers for sale: 25lb and a 50lb Little Giant. Rebuilt and in good running condition. Call Dickie Robinson for information 806-267-2629 Sold

8/28/03 From Steve Godfrey, Phoenix, AZ "52100 round stock in sizes from a half inch round to fifteen inches round. They claim to be the largest supplier of 52100 in the country. It's a minimum order of $100. That's what I paid for six feet of 1-1/2 inch round. Their phone# is 609-882-5250"

8/25/03 Wilton Squarewheel grinder with 8" serrated wheel and flat platen. This is one of the older grinders with the hand brake on it. $750.00 Excellent condition. Sold
Blademaster 3 speed grinder with 8" smooth wheel and flat platen, mounted on pedestal stand. $650.00 Sold Excellent condition. DC motor and controller, 1 1/2 hp. $325.00 Sold
This equipment needs to be picked up at my shop in New Braunfels, TX. Call me direct at 830-606-4067, or email me for more information.

8/12/03 For Sale Gravermeister Model 101-C with one handle and tool. Very good condition. Asking $500 plus shipping.  Contact Don Tommey. Sold

8/06/03 2004 American Bladesmith Exposition information has been posted. Also it is time to get your raffle tickets for the Knife Raffle to be held at Reno next year. We have two wonderful knives by Larry Fuegen and Dan Winkler in the raffle. Get your tickets now.

For Sale: 25 ton hydraulic press fabricated by V J McCracken. Will need some work. Price: $800.00
Call: Sava Damlovac, mastersmith, at (317) 839-4952. Press is located in central Indiana. e-mail: sava@bigfoot.com

7/09/03 The ABS Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is taking place August 9, 2003. Make plans to attend the ceremony and dinner. There is a new video in the ABS Master's series and it is out on DVD. Forging and Finishing by Charlie Ochs is available now at the ABS Store. While you are there check out the new denim caps we have for sale.

6/03/03 The Scagel Blade Forging and Knife Exposition, August 22-24, 2003, Ravenna, MI  W.F. Moran Blade Forging Demonstrations & Forged Blade Show, October 10-12, 2003, Frederick, MD. Make plans to attend these events are planned for bladesmiths and collectors alike. It is a great opportunity to meet the makers, learn about the craft and buy hard to get knives in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

The Blade Show is next week and the ABS has many events planned. Members make plans to attend the banquet. There will be a Championship Cutting Competition this year pitting the winners from the regional hammerins for a winner takes all title. The Online Auction is gathering momentum. Check the Current Bids.

5/29/03 From Mike Snyder a series of photos taken during a recent visit to Bill Moran's shop. Bill looks to be recovering well. Bidding has picked up on the ABS Auction Blades, don't wait to late. Check the current bids. There will be a championship cutting competition at the Blade show this year. Participants are the winners of the regional hammerin cutting competitions. For more information go to Championship Cutting Competition.

4/30/03 Kenny Rowe was hospitalized with heart problems. As of the last report he did not have a heart attack, but will be scheduled for bypass surgery. Also Ray Kirk was operated on for 2 herniated disks and bone spurs and is recovering from the operation at this time.

The action is picking up on the Online Auction keep track of the Current Bids online. Don't wait until the last minute on this one, there are some great knives this year.

4/28/03 ABS Calendar of events for the Blade Show 2003

Gallery of pictures of the South African Hammerin submitted by Heather and Kevin Harvey, Heavin Forge.

4/27/03 ABS Banquet Auction at Blade Show 2003 will have lots of interesting items. The banquet has become an fun evening and is the gathering point for members at the show. Please make plans to attend.

We are now accepting online bids on the ABS Auction Knives There are some really nice knives being offered this year, check it out.

4/19/03 ALL Items have been Sold For Sale: Mr. Bob Rosenfeld contacted me today with a list of equipment that Gator Cash had and is now for sale. If you are interested in any of this, please contact Mr. Bob at  or Mrs. MaryAnn Cash

N.C. 112 lb. anvil $300.00
NC 2 burner propane forge $250.00
Post Vise $100.00
Various Hammers $5.00 ea
12" Craftsman Band saw $100.00
14" Chop Saw 35.00
6X48 Bely sander (Craftsman) 100.00
Grizzly Mini-Mill withwith automatic
feed (Homemade) 350.00
Benchtop Drill press 1/2" 50.00
4" Bench Vise 75.00
Knife Vise 35.00
Heat Gun 5.00
also there are a lot of small items, (drills, and a lot of handle materials)
 

4/14/03 For Sale: Like new, single speed,  Wilton Squarewheel grinder. Has 8 inch serrated contact wheel, flat platen assembly with  1 1/2" and 3" wheels, and work rest. $745.00. Contact Johnny Stout, 830-606-4067, New Braunfels, Texas 78132.

For Sale: Universal Bending Roll, 3 wheel, Heller Model 2000E, works perfect,  3 phase motor, cost $4546.00 in '98, must sell quickly. Includes manual. $3150 obo Contact Philip (213) 422-5391 Los Angeles, CA

For Sale: Combination Press Brake, Slip Roll & Shear:  Rated to 20 gauge, like new, never used, paid $731 2 yrs ago. Quality machine, weighs 350lbs $475 obo Contact Philip (213) 422-5391 Los Angeles, CA

For Sale: Mankel Knifemaker Forge 3-burner, 115v, natural gas, Round bottom, offset 3-burner shoots flame and heat from right to left side. Front opening 2-1/2" high, end opening 3-1/2" high. Can be open on three sides. Reaches temp. 2700*, Paid $886 2 yrs ago, sell $650 obo Contact Philip (213) 422-5391 Los Angeles, CA
 

4/13/03 ABS Auction Knives 2003 Blade Show These are the five knives that will be auctioned off at the Blade show this year Friday, June 13, 2003. We are now accepting online bids prior to the auction. The highest bid will be the starting bid for the auction. We have a fine lot of knives this year and I encourage you to take a look and put in a bid.

Hammerin news: We are in the planning stages for a Blade Forging Demonstrations and Knife show in the spring of 2004 near Philadelphia or in NY state. Feedback is welcome.

October 10-12, 2003 W.F. Moran Jr. Blade Forging Demonstrations and Forged Blade Show, Frederick, MD. An all-star demonstrator list, shop tour of Bill's shop and knife show.

For Sale: 50# Little Giant Power Hammer works perfectly, has recently new 3 phase 3 HP induction motor mounted on top. Currently set up and working. $2500 obo Contact Philip (213) 422-5391 Los Angeles, CA

3/25/03 For sale  GRS Gravermeister with two hand pieces in good condition. Cost $1500 new, sell for $650 plus shipping. Email Rik Palm

3/17/03 Terry Cash, apprentice-ABS, passed on-at 6:40 P.M. on 15 March 2003. His funeral will be held in South Canton, Ga. on Tuesday, 18 March, 2003. He is survived by  Mary Ann Cash, Holly Springs, Ga.

3/17/03SOLD For Sale: 50# Little Giant Power Hammer. It was rebuilt by Fred Caylor and was his personal hammer. It is the intermediate model and is located in central Indiana. Price: $3500 Call: Sava Damlovac at (317) 839-4952
 

3/16/03 I have a 25 pound Little Giant which looks to be in pretty good shape. It's in Canada, but I'm only 6 miles from Montana. I have a toll free that they can call - 1-877-635-2887. Thanks. Mel Long.

3/10/03 For sale: 1 surface grinder, mfg by Covel. Includes 6x18 chuck, two extra grinding wheels and static converter for 3 phase power. Machine is in good working order. Located in Central Indiana. Asking $750. Please call: (317) 873-6807 Mike Snyder SOLD

3/07/03 Knife World Vol.29 No. 3 March, 2003 has published a nice article on the Reno Show, "Forged Blades Stand Alone in Reno."

We have Jerry Fisk's video "Knife Care" back in stock. Check the ABS store under video to order.

2/25/03 For sale one used very little GRS Gravermeister with two hand pieces. Cost $1500 new sell for $650.
Dickie Robinson 806 2672629 SOLD

From Lin Rhea. I recently located a supply of antlers by the pound. A dealer lives close to me and he provides antlers and animal furs to chandalier makers and blackpowder folks. He sells to me in small amounts as I need them and mentioned to me he would ship them. I hate to have such a supply available and perhaps few bladesmiths knowing about it. He has two grades of antler so I'm sure a person could find what ever they would need. He has elk, whitetail, mule deer, moose, and I believe sheep of different species. I hope this might help some of my fellow smiths. His business # is 501-332-5911 and his name is Mr Lewis.

2/24/03 Menuki and Kanaga High Relief Chasing with Shoji Asai, Japanese Master Craftsman
Professor Bill Fiorini and The University of Wisconsin- LaCrosse Jewelry & Metals Department are proud to present a High Relief Chasing Workshop with Shoji Asai, a Master Craftsman from Tokyo, Japan April 22-25, 2003. For more information contact Bill Fiorini.

The 15th Batson Bladesmithing Symposium at Tannehill Iron Works near McCalla, Alabama will be on 4-6 April, 2003. The guest demonstrators will be Devin Thomas, Kevin Cashen, Greg Neely and "Doc" Price Morris from England. To pre-register call Judd Clem 256/232-2645

The Holston Mountain Hammer In, March 8-9, 2003. Featured demonstrator, ABS President, Jim Batson. For more information contact Larry Harley

50# Myers power hammer for sale. I also have commercial gas forge it may need some work on the refactory. Used it to sharpen bush hog blades. Also have a coal forge it is about 8 inches square. I can send pictures to any one interested Kenneth Whaley
 

2/18/03 The Reno show was a huge success and we have posted a Reno 2003 Gallery of images from the show. The Auction was great and the Moran Knife was won by Daniel O'Malley from Seattle, WA and the Hunt was won by Byron Carpenter of Stockton, CA.

As many of you know, Bill Moran was not able to attend the show because of an operation.

The following update came from Nancy Hendrickson, "Just a quick note to everyone. We brought Bill home from the hospital yesterday afternoon. He is doing pretty well but tires easily. The surgeon said he really came through his surgery very well but he will have to see a cancer dr. in a couple of weeks. He may have to have some type of chemo or radiation. Won't know until after Bill sees the dr. I am sure that he would like to hear from his friends. If you would like to send him a note or a card, his address is P.O. Box 68, Braddock Height, MD 21714."
 

1/22/03 New pictures of the Auction items donated by Joseph Szilaski and Dan Farr. This auction is turning into a wonderful event in and of itself. Check out all the items. The ABS Knife Exposition is right around the corner, make your plans to attend, this is going to be an historic event in knifemaking.

1/07/03 Sign up for the ABS West Coast Open Clinic  March 15-16, 2003.  Update to Auction page.

1/06/03 We have more pictures of the Auction items. There are some really nice pieces coming up. Auctioneer Tim Ryan will be conducting the auction for us at the ABS Knife Exposition.

12/29/02 Picture of Auction knife donated by Kirk Rexroat. Check out all the Auction items and click on thumbnails for larger image. Please send pictures of your donations to Webmaster.

12/19/02 Guidelines for the judging of Journeyman and Master Smith knives is now posted. Two pictures of knives donated for the ABS Auction by Ray Rybar and Burt Foster. If you have donated items for the auction please send good images to Webmaster for posting on the web. Be sure to include information about the item donated and your personal information. Thanks.

12/18/02 From JF McGraw "I am looking to Buy a used or rebuilt 25 lb. Little Giant Power Hammer. Please contact me ASAP at 828-891-6682 or email nksachs@acninc.net  if you have one or know of one that is available. Much appreciated".

12/17/02 Visit with Founding Fathers of the ABS, B. R. Hughes and Bill Moran, who will be in attendance at the ABS Exposition. Check out the list of Auction donations and read about the beautiful knife Bill Moran has made for the Auction. This is in addition to the Moran Knife being raffled and the Montana Elk Hunt by Rick Dunkerley.

Banquet and Auction tickets are still available and may be purchased until January 15 or until sold out. Call Nancy Hendrickson at 301-663-6923 and order yours now.
 

12/12/02 The 2003 Arkansas Custom Knife Show has changed locations to the Robinson Center Exhibition Hall in downtown Little Rock. For more details and hotel information follow this link.

Tommy McNabb is selling raffle tickets of Ed Van Hoy knife for the benefit his family who is need these holidays. For more details check Family Fund.

Happy Holidays

11/12/02 Reno Show current update Flyer with hotel and banquet information.

15N20 I have 15N20 saw blades for sale. This steel is free of rust and measures .093 inch thick by 5 inches wide by 61 3/4 inches long. Price is $22.50 each plus shipping. Telephone Charlie Rogers 936-326-4496 or Email. I have a few that is 5 7/8 inches wide for $25.00 each plus shipping. Nice 15N20 steel!

Holston Mountain Hammerin, March 7-9, 2003, Bristol, TN contact Larry Harley for more information.

South African Hammer-In, November 22-24, 2002 Information

10/22/02 The 2003 class schedule for the ABS school has been posted. Piney Woods Hammerin at Old Washington, Arkansas is this weekend, please come on by.

10/08/02 The Piney Woods Hammer-in at Old Washington, Arkansas is coming up October 26-27,2002. For more information contact Scotty Hayes  Just posted mail in registration form with schedule of events.

10/07/02 The Rio Grande Valley Knife Forging Seminar has been cancelled.

10/02/02 Dan Morris of Old World Anvils is offering anvils, tools and fly presses good resource.

9/19/02 The New York Blade Forging and Knife Exposition is coming right up, September 26-29, 2002. There will be a plant tour and lunch put on by the Stephan Bader Co. from 9-2 on Thursday. Follow link for directions to the plant. Offer for sale at the Hammerin will be the new ABS Coal Fusion T shirts. Alford Enterprises has reissued an ABS version of this dramatic T shirt and it will soon be available via the ABS Store. We hope to see you at the hammerin.

9/17/02 Wanted: Little Giant trip hammer 50#. Later model preferred. Contact: Joe Caswell (805) 499-0707. Email

9/6/02 From Benjamin Piccola I have two boxes of  SHOPAID  Ticronic tool steel foil wrap I would like to sell.
Each roll is 2' by 50'.  I want $110 each.  My email is paul_piccola@att.net .

9/1/02 Having problems with poor quality 5160? Security Steel Supply Co., Kankakee, IL 1-800-222-5160 has a supply of 5160H which is much cleaner steel. You may want to stock up because both of their suppliers have gone bankrupt. You can Email them for more information.

The 5th Annual Bowie Knife Symposium is coming up next Friday at the SouthEastern Custom Knife Show in Winston-Salem, NC. We would love to see you.

8/29/02 SOLD 25Lb Little Giant power hammer in excellent condition. Completely reconditioned and running. Asking $3200. Email Dr. Lucie Jim wanted me to add that the hammer was "completely restored by the late Fred Caylor and is in tip-top condition."
 

8/27/02 Rob Roberston the ABS lawyer passed away last Friday. Our condolences go out to his family.

The blade specifications for the cutting competitions at both the Spirit of Steel Show and the NY hammer-in will be: 10 inch max blade length of any style. 15 1/2" over all length. Must have one visible pin in handle and thong hole in back of handle with lanyard attached. You will not be able to enter if the knife does not meet this requirements.

8/22/02 There will be an ABS banquet at the Mesquite Show at 7:30 pm on Friday, 9/13/02. Tickets are $25 in advance. Contact Harvey Dean 512-446-3111 as soon as possible.

8/19/02 The Scagel Hammerin, Muskegon, Michigan is this weekend. For times and events we have posted the schedule for the event. The Albany, NY Hammerin is coming right up in September so make your plans. The History Channel will be there filming and we expect to have a good knife show on Saturday so bring your blades to sell.

7/30/02 Heather and Kevin Harvey, Heavin Forge, South Africa is having a hammerin and all are invited. There is an active and growing bladesmithing community in South Africa and they are doing some beautiful work.

7/29/02 Now that Dean Mitchell has sold his power hammer, he is looking for a Lincoln SA 200 welder. If you can help him our contact him at 719-336-8807 or by email Addendum: Dean has found the welder

7/27/02 Dick Kimberley is looking for a copy of "Knives 98" to complete his collection. If you have one or know where to get one please send him an email.

7/9/02 SOLD Dean Mitchell has a 50 pound Little Giant power hammer that he would like to sell via the bulletin board or the news letter.  It is the one that he made his test knives and is priced at $950.00.  Contact by mail at: Wm. Dean Mitchell MS, 8438 C. R. One, Lamar, CO 81052, 719-336-8807, or by e-mail

7/5/02 Ray Kirk has 4 tons of 52100 round bar from the same batch and has been using it for 5 years. It is 1.77" diameter and he has the mill specs. He finally got his rolling mill working and now has some 52100 flat bar for sale. If interested, click on 52100. This is the same steel that Ray has used for his JS performance test and to win and place in the ABS cutting contests. For pocket knives or stock removal, he can precision grind the material to your specific size needs. Prices do not include shipping. New website address for Ray click on link for more information.
 

6/6/02 Uncle Al is holding knife meetings in his shop on the second Thursday evening each month. We start after regular work hours 5:30 PM. Anyone interested in knives is invited. We start out with FOOD and then we have a show and tell. Everyone gets to showoff their latest knife and tell how he made it. This is a lot of fun. We have some who are making there first knife and some mastersmiths there. If anyone wants to see something done, someone will show them how to do it. We usually have some grinding and forging demos each meeting. Normally 10 to 25 people show up. If anyone happens to be in the area on the 2nd Thursday you are invited to stop by.

Contact: Uncle Al
201 W. Stillwell
DeQueen, AR 71832
downtown DeQueen.
Phone 870/642/7643 Fax 870/642/4023
e-mail uncleal@ipa.net
www.riversidemachine.net

Looking for a teacher
I'm a 47 year old male who would like personal instruction ( not a classroom ) in making stock removal and pattern welded knives by a full time maker. I live in Colorado but will travel anywhere but the east coast. Please e-mail the cost if you are interested in departing with some wisdom, and pictures of your work. Thanks. GaryH. judyl@fone.net

5/28/02 I have one table for the Blade Show at Atlanta Friday Saturday and Sunday. I will let it go at half price or best offer, but I retain the right to get this table back next year. It is in a very good spot up close to front. Dickie Robinson

4/23/02 Sold I have a complete GRS Gravermiester engraving outfit w/1ea handpiece, 33lb ball, diamond sharpener and sharpening fixture, book, and odds and ends. for $1800. I also have a funky little microscope that had has the proper working room and magnification. ( new is about $800). I'll let it go for $400 but a stand for it for engraving will need to be put together. If you are interested Bill Herndon a holler at 661/269-5860 or bherndons1@aol.com

4/16/02 ABS member and demonstrator, Richard Furrer, has been invited to demonstrate and lecture at this summer's Smithsonian Folklife Festival, June 26-July 7, 2002 at the National Mall, Washington, DC.

4/13/02 Wally Hayes is making a knife and donating the proceeds to the Fireman's Relief Fund NYC. The blade has been made from a piece of the Twin Towers given to him by one of the local firemen.

ABS Exposition at Reno copy of letter and show response form.

 Low Country Hammerin Oct 11-12, 2002 Awendaw, SC
Wally Hayes demonstrator.

4/16/02 A special offer from “KRAZE” Korlacki

We’re having a “Club Special” directed towards American Bladesmith members.
To receive these prices members need to work with me factory direct.

Our 6 pound 90 amp Tig/Stick welder:
$349.00
http://www.krazearc.com/i90sts.html

Do you have an Auto Darkening Welding Helmet?
http://www.krazearc.com/hawk.html

Club Special:
$449.00 for the 90 amp and the helmet if ordered at the same time.

These specials do not show on our website.

4/16/02 Northwest Hammerin 2002 June 22-23, 2002,  Bothell, WA. Contact: Lyle Brunckhorst @ 425 402-3484 Bronks@nwnexus.com

3/4/02 ABS member Charlie Rogers has generously contributed a handsome Bowie as part of a local fundraiser for a young girl stricken with lupus. Check it out at Run Fer the Hills

8/29/02 The 2002 Blade Show Award winners Harvey Dean, Ken Durham, Tim Foster and Larry Fuegen. Congratulations. We have posted a picture of the Raffle knife by Bill Moran and it is a beauty. Tickets are now available.

7/9/02 Rick Dunkerley's Elk Hunt Raffle ticket information. Also, Raffle information for Bill Moran's knife. Check the Bulletin board for steel and power hammers.

7/5/02 The Fifth Annual Bowie Knife Symposium will be held September 6, 2002 at the Benton Center, Winson-Salem, NC. This event is held in conjunction with the Southeaster Custom Knife Show. Follow the link for more information and contacts. Check out the Bulletin Board for the latest news of interest to the membership. B.R. Hughes contributed photos from the 2002 Blade Show check them out.

6/29/02 All the tables for The 1st American Bladesmith Exposition have been sold. For a list of demonstrators check the show page. We are now accepting standby applications for the show. If you are interested in signing up for a standby table please use the form link at the bottom of the Reno show information page.

6/16/02 The ABS is featured in a section of the Arkansas Historical Museum in Little Rock, AR and we have created a Museum page with photo highlights. All members are encouraged to donate knives for permanent exhibit in the collection. The 1st American Bladesmith Exposition, Reno, NV is set for January 31 through February 3, 2003. To help fund this event we will be holding a Raffle on a Bill Moran Mediterranean Dirk, $5 a ticket.

A new page for Carolyn Hughes, editor of the American Bladesmith Journal called Editor's Bin. Be sure to check the Bulletin Board for the latest news and offering from the forge.

We have new items in the ABS Store, including a nice denim shirt with embroidered ABS logo, also T-shirts and hats with the embroidered logo. There is a new bronze desk anvil that is really nice.

5/13/02 ABS Exposition at Reno copy of letter and show response form. ABS Auction Knives 2002 are posted.

4/21/02 The forms for testing certification for both Master Smith and Journeyman Smith are now online. They will be included at the bottom of the Testing pages. Print these forms and bring them with you when you go for your testing.

The Spring Hammerin at Old Washington, Arkansas is coming up on May 4-5, 2002. Please plan to attend. For more information go to the ABS Spring Hammerin 2002

4/14/02 Chairman's Corner a message from Jim Batson. The schedules for the ABS New York Blade Forging and Knife Exposition this September and the 2nd Annual Scagel Hammerin in Michigan this August have been posted. We will be creating a FAQ of common forging questions and posting it on the Answer Guy

2/21/02 New ABS Bulletin Board items for sale, local information and news of interest to the membership. To post items please email your request to ABS Webmaster

1/26/02 Class schedule for the Bladesmithing School at Old Washington, AR

10/14/01 Knife Care by Jerry Fisk and several new ABS publications at ABS Store

8/17/01 Bowie Symposium to be held in conjunction with the upcoming South Eastern Custom Knife Show, Winston-Salem, NC September 7-9, 2001.

8/07/01 Two new videos are being offered on grinding. Check them out at Videos.

7/15/01 In cooperation with Knife World Books, there is now a new Bookstore on this site. Please use this link whenever you are going to buy knife books and you will be helping to support the ABS. There is a new Events Gallery with pictures from various ABS events this year.

06/14/01 Hammerin News New hammerin in Michigan this summer, Georgia hammerin with Keith Kilby, Texas hammerin this fall. Messages from Jim issues clarification on time requirements for Master's rating. The BR Report lists the new Journeyman and Mastersmiths who were juried at the Blade show.

06/7/01 American Bladesmith, The new Journal for the American Bladesmith Society.

05/18/01 2001 Tomb Knife by Mike Williams. New picture has been posted of this knife and it will be available at the Auction at the Blade show. Check it out.

05/13/01 We have updated the Master Smith list. Please keep your information up to date and email us when there are changes. Ray Kirk has donated his winning cutting competition hunting knife for the Awards Banquet If you would like to contribute an auction item let Jim Batson know. Bladesmith Links is now restricted to ABS members and associates only. If you have a web site please contact the Webmaster and keep us updated on any changes. Thanks.

05/3/01 Details for the ABS Awards Banquet at the Blade Show June 8, 2001

04/30/01 The Silver Anniversary Hammerin at Washington May 5-6, 2001 Details

04/17/01 Jim Batson announcement concerning the creation of a new "American Bladesmith," a Journal of the Forged Blade. For the announcement and more information go to Journal

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