Ed Fowler Techniques

E

Ed Schempp

Joined
Oct 10, 2003
Messages
395
First of all I'm not running an add for Ed, but I do want to share a perception I have on his work. Ed is my friend and I value our relationship highly. Low temperature forging and extensive thermal cycling are proven effective not just for 52100. Al Pendrays work with Wootz yielded some of the same information. Wootz and 52100 are about as far apart as possible in the contenuim of tool steels, yet they respond favorably to the same methodology in forging. With Wootz you don't have any choice, it you don't follow this recipe then you going to have molten metal exploding around your shop when you take it to the hammer. I've utilized these techniques for 1084, 15N-20, and most of my Damascus. These techniques are good for most steels and will yield a better blade.
Ed has worked with 52100 alot and has closely observed it behavior, much of which is reflected in his testing. By watching one product so closely Ed has refined his techniques and observed nuances that benefit the forging of blades. I believe this information will serve us all regardless of the steel we choose to work. I do my own thing, I make what I like, and the information that Ed has provided us serves each of us on our own mission. You don't have to build 52100, Brass guards sheep horn handled knives to benefit from this information. This information is about 52100 but it seems to apply to most tool steels. Please don't let the hoopala and politics cloud this good information from your view...Take Care...Ed Schempp
 
Well said. As a novice maker, I have followed Mr. Fowler's techniques for forging, heat treating, and tempering 5160 and had excellent results.

The next comment is my personal opinion and is no way meant to offend or put down anyone:

I have also had a chance to handle his knives and they are just not something I would want for myself, but that is fine because there are a lot of knives out there that I don't want for myself. I don't have to agree with the artist's vision to appreciate their dedication to quality and the pursuit of their own creations.

But, if the maker of those knives has something they can teach me I will listen.


Enough rambling for now. :p
 
Ed Schempp said:
Please don't let the hoopala and politics cloud this good information from your view...Take Care...Ed Schempp
Click to expand...

Ed, I think you make a marvelous point. Most anyone who pays attention knows there is some mighty fine grain (pun intended) being "harvested" out at that ranch. I'm sure some will nod their head when I say that you're also correct in pointing out that what some see as excess chaff in the basket may be what people bristle at.

Thank you, sir, it was an excellent post. We learn from your wisdom. :)
 
... what Ed said...


The sharing of knowledge and appropriate attribution - both, will benefit all of us in our search.


Whether that search be for a "better" blade, nuances of steel or, knowledge of any sort...



Thanks again,

John
 
Thanks Ed. I for one have learned much from him not in just skills but also the romance of the art.
 
Ed could let it all go to his head but instead passes the info on, yes it is part of where and what he is, some don't see it but as a tool to market, sure it's part of the game in whole..this way we know what's what though :)
Thanks Ed and Ed :D
 
Just an observation...

Making knives is one thing, selling them is something entirely different. Ed Fowler does both.

Let me give you an example. Everyone has listened to music at one time or the other. We all hear the more popular songs on the radio. There are musicians out there that run rings around those that are on the radio. How many of you have heard of Fred Eaglesmith? Mickey Newbury? Jonmark Stone? Lucinda Williams? Gatemouth Brown? Now, how many of you have heard of ZZTop, Pink Floyd or Aerosmith?

Marketing is just as important as making the product itself...don't forget that one thing.

Craig
 
Train Songs!!!!

Ok, back to the thread: I throughly enjoyed Ed's book. It gave me an idea as to who he is, and what he does. I've never held a Fowler knife before, but to be honest, it doesn't look bad at all to me. I hope to see one at a show some day.
 
C L Wilkins said:
Marketing is just as important as making the product itself...don't forget that one thing.

Craig
Click to expand...

Absolutely true, Craig. There are times when some information may be better received in certain audiences if the two are separated. To extend your analogy, some people might like the music but don't like the band because of the lyrics. Different strokes for different folks. This is one of those subjects that is always going to generate two camps, and a large middle that doesn't care.

For me, it's just a philosophical debate. I don't sell 'em anymore, and I don't buy 'em. The ones I make are for me to give away. Those have been exceptionally easy to market. :D

Who is Fred eaglesmith, BTW? I know the rest but not him. Thanks
 
sartech said:
... what Ed said...


The sharing of knowledge and appropriate attribution - both, will benefit all of us in our search.


Whether that search be for a "better" blade, nuances of steel or, knowledge of any sort...



Thanks again,

John
Click to expand...


what are you doing over here???????????????????????????????? :eek: :rolleyes: :eek:
 
I tried hard to use Ed Fowler's's techniques as best I can, from what information I can read. I use the low temperature forging method in an intuitive way to forge 1095/1084 and O1 and like what I get from it.

I also appreciate the way that Ed Fowler is able to communicate his passion and interpret his methods in ways that inspire others. Whether one agrees with Ed's ideas or method is a totally different thing... At very worst, Ed's articles are fascinating reading.

To the "other" Ed (Schempp)... your knives aren't half bad either !!! I have read some of the recent magazine articles on your competition knives with great interest. Jason.
 
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