Ladder Pattern Damascus Chopper by J. Chin

Grapevine,

I see your point, but, to the best of my knowledge, Mr. Chin was already in America and chose to go back to Taiwan. Hardly the kind of guy who is going to disappear in Atlanta after the Blade Show.

John
 
John Frankl said:
Too bad the guy can't even get recognized as a JS. I love the ABS and plan to be a member for life, but a few small ammendments to the rules might help as the organization becomes more international.

From Korea,

John
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Maybe they should change the name, too, John? Would that make you happy? Would you like it to be the International Bladesmith Society or World Bladesmith Society instead of the AMERICAN Bladesmith Society?

STeven Garsson
 
John Frankl said:
Grapevine,

I see your point, but, to the best of my knowledge, Mr. Chin was already in America and chose to go back to Taiwan. Hardly the kind of guy who is going to disappear in Atlanta after the Blade Show.

John
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If that's the case then indeed the situation is messed up. I wasn't trying to defend or condemn Immigration btw, just shedding some light on a bigger problem.
 
Well, STeven, let's not take it too far. The American Bladesmith Society is American, but it isn't exactly xenophobic - nor should it be. The outreach program in France and the work with the Brazilians is evidence enough of this.
 
Evening all. I have to say that having had the pleasure of taking a class with Jimmy with Ron Newton as instructor, I am not surprised at Jimmy's work. He had some real nice blades at the class and a really serious work ethic. I expect we will be seeing a lot more excellent knives from Jimmy and I look forward to seeing him when he gets back to the states. And as for the ABS and his Js submission, I understand the main problem was with the immigration service. Good points Derek.
Best regards all
Brion Tomberlin
JS
Anviltop Custom Knives

P.S. I wish I had bought one of his blades in the handle and guards class.
 
Joss said:
What in the ABS rules prevent him from becoming a JS?
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The applicant has to be physically present at Blade in order to submit the knives for judging.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
STeven,

I see your point. But it would make more sense if the ABS only accepted American smiths, a decision that I would have no problem with. This, of course, is not the case. The ABS is open to all nationalities.

The rest is just red tape and inertia in an organization that probably never envisioned being as big and popular as it has become. It has no relation whatsoever to the name. I mean, having to be present in Atlanta, GA hardly seems all-American (especially to a guy from CA who now lives in Korea). If a person can't be there, and has a legitimate reason, I don't see the problem.

John
 
John Frankl said:
STeven,

I see your point. But it would make more sense if the ABS only accepted American smiths, a decision that I would have no problem with. This, of course, is not the case. The ABS is open to all nationalities.

The rest is just red tape and inertia in an organization that probably never envisioned being as big and popular as it has become. It has no relation whatsoever to the name. I mean, having to be present in Atlanta, GA hardly seems all-American (especially to a guy from CA who now lives in Korea). If a person can't be there, and has a legitimate reason, I don't see the problem.

John
Click to expand...

I see your points, too, John.

I think if the ABS changed the specific requirement for the physical presence of applicant smiths that it would ultimately change the dynamic of submitted pieces, and the quality of applicants themselves. One fork in the road to Hell, specifically, is, what constitutes a "legitimate reason"?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
It is misleading to call this a rule against foreigners. Foreigners here are the victims of government regulations. The ABS has nothing to do with it. As a foreigner myself, not only do I support the *moral* right of the ABS to request the presence of the applicant, I think it is the right business decision.
 
Before this thread deviates too much I need to say: Great looking knife design, even better looking damascus, but for me the real eye opener is what looks like a super clean FnF (I need to check this in person so please send it to me Peter ;) )

Its also a great story that reflects the good side of the custom knife world - integrity, trust and keeping ones word! Its no surprise to me with these values being demonstrated that Ron Newton is involved in some way, however big or small, and it looks like his influence is rubbing off on Jimmy Chin!

Stephen
 
Here is Jimmy's contact info:

'Jimmy" Hsiang Lin Chin
2F No. 62 Chung Yi Street
Shih Lin 111
Taipei Taiwan

011 886 925 153 758
 
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