- Joined
- May 10, 2000
- Messages
- 3,351
I had the distinct pleasure of attending the annual ABS banquet dinner and auction this year at the Blade Show in Atlanta. During the banquet, numerous members were recognized for their contributions to the organization and to the craft of the forged knife, and new Journeyman Smiths and Master Smiths received their certificates.
It was a wonderful sight to see, as these talented bladesmiths were honored for their achievements and accepted their new certificates before an audience of their friends, their peers, and their supporters.
After the awards and honors, the ABS held an auction to benefit the endowment, where dozens of donated items were sold to the patrons. Included among these items were an exceptionally crafted fireplace set by Charles Smale, a beautiful ram's head fire poker forged by James Batson, and all five Journeyman test knives generously donated by Dan Farr.
I tried to buy the fire-poker, but lost out to one very tenacious bidder who just wouldn't quit.
I also tried to buy a few of Dan Farr's knives, all of which were top-notch, but kept getting outbid by his brother, who was determined to bring those family heirlooms back home.
But I didn't leave empty handed. Towards the end of the evening, a gorgeous damascus bowie came up for auction. The knife was made by five Mastersmiths at the ABS West hammer-in, and I just had to go after it. Lucky for me, most of the participants had already spent their money at that point, and I was able to buy the knife for far less than I should have.
I had the knife photographed by PointSeven Studios, and, without further ado, here it is:
The makers:
Red St. Cyr, M.S. (2000) - damascus (hand hammered!)
Jame Batson, M.S. (1993) - forging
Greg Neely, M.S. (1993) - grinding
Charles Ochs III, M.S. (1989) - heat-treating
Scott Taylor, M.S. (2002) - handle, finishing
I still can't get over the generosity shown by those who donated items to the auction. There really was some excellent booty, and it's a testament to the good nature of the members and supporters of the ABS. I'm already looking forward to next year's event, and I hope to see you there!
It was a wonderful sight to see, as these talented bladesmiths were honored for their achievements and accepted their new certificates before an audience of their friends, their peers, and their supporters.
After the awards and honors, the ABS held an auction to benefit the endowment, where dozens of donated items were sold to the patrons. Included among these items were an exceptionally crafted fireplace set by Charles Smale, a beautiful ram's head fire poker forged by James Batson, and all five Journeyman test knives generously donated by Dan Farr.
I tried to buy the fire-poker, but lost out to one very tenacious bidder who just wouldn't quit.
I also tried to buy a few of Dan Farr's knives, all of which were top-notch, but kept getting outbid by his brother, who was determined to bring those family heirlooms back home.But I didn't leave empty handed. Towards the end of the evening, a gorgeous damascus bowie came up for auction. The knife was made by five Mastersmiths at the ABS West hammer-in, and I just had to go after it. Lucky for me, most of the participants had already spent their money at that point, and I was able to buy the knife for far less than I should have.
I had the knife photographed by PointSeven Studios, and, without further ado, here it is:
The makers:
Red St. Cyr, M.S. (2000) - damascus (hand hammered!)
Jame Batson, M.S. (1993) - forging
Greg Neely, M.S. (1993) - grinding
Charles Ochs III, M.S. (1989) - heat-treating
Scott Taylor, M.S. (2002) - handle, finishing
I still can't get over the generosity shown by those who donated items to the auction. There really was some excellent booty, and it's a testament to the good nature of the members and supporters of the ABS. I'm already looking forward to next year's event, and I hope to see you there!
