Bladesmithing Terminology

I was just wondering. This forum is called Bladesmith Question and Answers but it seems like theres mostly grinders here. Im not saying theres anything wrong with that. I was just looking for a general forum just on bladesmithing. Oh well.
 
Most of us forge. Some more so than others and some better than others. Grinding, for me is a necessary part of the forging process. I know some like Max who forge so well they need only a little dressing with a file to finish the piece. I on the other hand need a great deal of grinding to remove my forge Boo Boos.
Have you been to the Neo tribal site. They are more in the forge it and finish it business and are a really great bunch of guys.
 
Mike,
I don't think that's what Tim is getting at. The term "bladesmith" has traditionally been used to refer to one who forges blades. The area where his trade was applied was referred to as the "smithy".

Of late it seems to have been more loosely used. I've seen many references to Bob Loveless as a master bladesmith. It does cause confusion. I had one customer argue with me that Bob Loveless forged blades.

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Peter,
Tim Lively (the originator of this thread) is a founding father of the Neo-Tribal Metalsmiths. His most current project is the Primal Forges School of Knifemaking.

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Tim,
I see you recently joined the American Bladesmith Society. I'd like to offer you a warm welcome to the ABS. It's great to have you on board.
 
Terry,yes I understand the term,and what it actually stands for,and as a "grinder"I would never call myself a "bladesmith"or allow anyone else to refer to/about me in that sense,without correction.What I find disquieting is the fact Tim has been here a lot longer than I have,and BFC has always called it that,if it is insulting to bladesmiths to have grinders on this forum,ask spark to change the title to include all manners of knifemakers,or just a bladesmith only forum.It will be necessary to replace the moderators though,as I think they are "grinders".
 
Mike,
I don't think any of the "hammer boys" are insulted. The old days of separation between the groups doing stock removal and those using forge and anvil are long gone. Now we're all just one big happy family of knifemakers.

While I primarily forge blades, I still use both methods. I don't place any unnecessary limitations on myself. I was in the shop all day yesterday and today working on 4 stock removal D2 blades.

Sorry if I caused any confusion.
 
Oh man, yall dont get all fired up and mad at me. I wasnt saying anything negative. If the word grinders was a slur then I apologize. My career as a professional knifemaker was started on being a grinder. I guess I should of said stock removalist. My sincere apologies. I was just looking for like minded artisans to converse with techniques that are a common denominator. Forging. Nothing else. I surely wasnt trying to act like some kind of elitist. It sure doesnt take much to start a ruckus in these forums. Not that I mind that. I enjoy a good squabble but I dont enjoy being misunderstood.

Thank you Terry for the welcome into the ABS and setting the record straight too. I appreciate it.
 
It just seems like theres very little talk about bladesmithing around here. I leave yall be. My sincere apologies.
 
Tim,
As I look over this forum with just a full page of threads for the last 2 days, it looks to me like almost half are about forging and related questions. I enjoy reading them all.
 
Tim,I did'nt take offense at grinder,just concerned what the whole thing was aimed at,(hidden agenda type of thing?)if I was wrong and it looks like I was,I apologise.I am one that does not like to see devisiveness in the knife community either,enough of that went on in the 80s-90s,and I am glad it died down.And maybe the name could be changed to something all inclusive.
 
I took a billet of steel and hammered it all over with a ball pien and then ground the blade, It gave the piece a hand forged look but in reality it's a forgery.
that makes me a blade forger, still not a knifesmith.:rolleyes:
(it looked good and the customer liked it)

You guys are very kind to let this cabinet maker into your forum. You have been of great help. thanks, EE
 
Thanks Mike. It was my fault. My communications skills arent as good as I wish. Im misunderstood often. Plus I just have an abrasive nature for some reason. I probably need to taken out back and straighten out. Im cool if your cool.
 
I'm sure that Darrel Ralph is a Master Smith. I know he has been an instructor at the ABS school. He can sole author damascus knives. In fact, I'm not sure there isn't anything in the world of knife making he can't do. I know he uses CAD, and may have a CNC machine to boot.
 
eric,that is great! i have peened bar stock before as well. calling it a forgery is too funny:cool:
 
You know Tim There are allot of guys here that are dreaming of the day that they get to beat on that first hot bar of steel,or live in a area that they won't be allowed to due to local law's...
But I do know that there are allot of questions asked here and allot of times the person asking is directed towards your forum...
I really don't care myself what way a person makes there knives because in my opinion we are all still MAKING knives.....

WE are all just " KNIFEMAKERS" When it all is said and done.

Congratulations Tim on joining the A.B.S.
Bruce
 
AHAA! So now Bruce Evans is trying to cause trouble by saying you are all "just knifemakers". WELL, LET ME TELL YOU, MR. EVANS- you guys are more than just knifemakers to me. Teachers, mentors, friends, etc.. Just kidding, very glad to see this working out in a friendly fashion. It seems to me lately there has been too much emphasis on the words used and not the spirit in which they are used. My thanks to EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU that hangs out here, willing to share your knowledge and time.:D P.S.- add me to Bruce's list of those that are dreaming of forging one of these days.
 
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