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nitsuj

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Feb 9, 2008
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I hope this is the proper forum to ask this. If not, I apologize. Anyhow:

While searching the web for all things related to knife making (I do lots of research on things before I start them) I've run across some terms that I wonder about. The one I'm wondering about now is knife makers titles. I see titles like "Master Bladesmith" or "Master Knife Maker" and even the overly long "Knifemakers Guildmaster Bladesmith". Are these regulated somehow, or are they just nice things to say about people really good at making knives? I don't mean any disrespect to the people that have earned these titles, I just got curious about how they're earned.

Thanks
 
Organizations like the American Bladesmith Society bestow titles such as Journeyman Smith and Mastersmith. These titles are earned by passing certain tests that are judged by experienced peers in the community of blade smiths. The tests are designed to prove that the applicant can create a blade (through forging) and differentially heat treat it with skill and success. Knives are judged for fit and finish as well as performance in torture testing. These titles are earned by experience and hard work, and you can only claim the title of "Mastersmith" if you've passed the tests set out by the ABS.

There are other societies out there, but ABS is the one I am familiar with.

--nathan
 
Knifemakers Guild has a few member statuses.

Probationary Members - They must be engaged in the making of benchmade knives for sale to the public, including the grinding and/or forging of their own knives. Before attaining probationary status, they have filed an application signed by four voting members, have submitted a professionally printed catalog, and have displayed their knives at the annual show where their work has been inspected by a technical committee. Probationary period is two years, at which time their knives must be displayed and inspected at the annual show before voting status can be granted.

Voting Members - They have completed the Probationary Member requirements. They must display knives at the annual show once every four years.

Associate Members - This category of membership is reserved for those who are not knifemakers, but rather are engaged in a knife-related trade. Examples are, but not limited to, suppliers, photographers, publishers, purveyors, engravers, and scrimshanders. Associate members do not have voting privileges and are not required to display at the annual show.

Honorary Members - These are the individuals, mainly collectors and a number of writers, who support the Knifemakers' Guild, promote custom knives and knifemakers, and advance the purposes of the Guild. Honorary members must be sponsored by a voting or probationary member. Knifemakers are not eligible for honorary membership.
 
Ok, so where do the title like "Master" come in? You become a voting member, then your blades are graded by some group of experts? Like I said, I was just curious.
 
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