[Barry Clodfelter]

Greetings! My name is Barry and I have been making knives for about 2 years, all stock removal, and have yet to finish one that I have been happy with! I don't get a lot of shop time and have only made about 2 dozen knives. I attented my first hammer-in this past weekend and had an absolute blast! The second thing I did monday morning when I got to work was join the ABS (the first was probably more important and that was getting a big cup of coffee). The knowledge that was shared at the hammer-in was a lot more than I could take in. I think I learned as many tips and tricks talking to the attendees as I did watching the demonstrators. Well I have an old beat up anvil, a gas forge, and a huge desire to learn how to forge blades. Thankfully I have a very understanding wife who supports my hobbies. Looking forward to talking with you on here and maybe one day heating and beating a blade with you.

Barry

[Allen Newberry]

Welcome to the forum! You may already be aware that the ABS has classes in NC, but just in case you haven't seen that: http://www.americanb...on=pages&id=168

[Dale Huckabee]

Welcom Barry. Hammer-in's are a major source of information, but if you can swing an introductory class at one of the ABS schools, you will learn more in the two weeks than you can believe.

Dale

[Lin Rhea]

Welcome Barry! Your supportive wife will prove to be very important. We're glad to have you both on our side. Let us know if there is anything we can do. Lin

[Barry Clodfelter]

Thanks guys! I saw the ABS schedule while at the GSMBS and the 2 week class started yesterday. It is something to look into and would be well worth the cost and effort.
Lin, one of the man reasons I went to the hammer-in was after watching a video of you hammering out a blade that you posted on tradgang. I have watched it several times and have seen something new each time. It really looked like fun. I got to forge a blade in the green coal area with James Gibson helping me saturday and now I can't wait to get some shop time to try to do another one.

[Steve Culver]

Welcome Barry!! Hope you get a lot of good information here on the forum!

[ABS Webmaster]

Barry
Welcome to the American Bladesmith Society and the ABS Forum.

[BrionTomberlin]

Welcome Barry, glad to have you along. As Lin said, a supportive wife is a great thing. I look forward to meeting you in the future. Any questions just feel free to contact us.Enjoy yourself and have fun.
Brion