Stven,
I wasn't trying to start anything. Just trying to clarify. The little wink you gave in your post mystified me a bit. If it wasn't sarcasm, please accept my appology. But it's not like you haven't occasionally been a
little sarcastic.
The demonstrators
gladly and
very willingly donate the pieces they produce during the class. They don't have to. And they are not pressured. The school supplies all of the steel, most if not all of the tools, plus belts and coal/propane. The demonstrator knocks out a blade or two, shows the audience how it's done, then throws the piece on the table for the auction. Len Landrum spent two sessioins making damascus billets, patterning them, then forging into blades (and grinding & etching one). I know Len and it never once entered his mind to keep those pieces for himself. It made him
feel good to see some student get them.
I've watched Rick Dunkerly and Don Fogg knock out complex damascus billets and blades which they could have turned into thousands of dollars, only to throw them onto the auction table without a second thought. It's just a nice thing to do, helps the school stay afloat, and in the end, it makes a bunch of people are very happy. IMO, it shows charactor on the part of the instructor.
I brought examples of tools and componants for my handles and guards class, but sadly, had nothing to donate this time around. But whether you are full time or part time, there's nothing wrong with donating your product at the end of the session.
Think what you will of the ABS but among its membership, you will not find a more generous group of craftsmen anywhere. All organizations have faults but I believe the ABS is growing, maturing, and developing, and will continue to be top knife organization in the world.
Just my observations.
Cheers,
TV
Terry L. Vandeventer
ABS MS
