New Forum Member - Dallas, Tx - American Bladesmith Society Forum

New Forum Member - Dallas, Tx Greg Loftis

#1 Gregory Loftis

Forum Member

Group: Members
Posts: 7
Joined: 27-February 11
LocationDallas, TX
ABS Rating:Apprentice Smith

Posted 27 February 2011 - 12:15 PM

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

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#2 ABS Webmaster

Administrator

Group: Administrators
Posts: 908
Joined: 21-December 09
LocationSalida, Colorado
ABS Rating:Journeyman Smith

Posted 27 February 2011 - 01:13 PM

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
ABS Webmaster and Forum Administrator
Send an email to Dan

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#3 BrionTomberlin

Administrator

Group: Moderators
Posts: 588
Joined: 28-December 09
LocationNorman, Oklahoma
ABS Rating:Master Smith

Posted 27 February 2011 - 01:41 PM

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

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#4 Bob Kramer

Forum Member

Group: Members
Posts: 13
Joined: 07-February 11
ABS Rating:Master Smith

Posted 27 February 2011 - 03:05 PM

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

Bob Kramer
Master Smith