Special Thanks to J & Tess Neilson

M

MJ Hofbauer

Joined
Jan 1, 2004
Messages
145
Went up and visited with them Sunday, great folk. J got me squared away and forging/grinding my first blade. Really was a great experience. I had read alot and talked to alot of people but wanted to spend some time with a maker and from his work I already had gained respect for J but then instead of just showing me how he did stuff and showing off his own work, he's like "Here, now set yourself on fire" Actually he was very patient, even with my indecisiveness (Usually am around new people) and only threatened me with a hammer once (The throwing daggers I'm still debating if it was an accident or not) so all in all I found the day fantastic. I didn't get to talk much with Tess but she seemed quite warm and sincere. If you ever have the opportunity to meet them, I strongly recommend it.

Thanks - Matt

P.S. Does every beginning bladesmith have to sign a runic document in blood? Just checking.
 
LOL!!!

I met this magical pair at Atlanta and bought 2 sharpies from them.....great folks is righton in describing them both!!!

Larry S.
 
Matt,

As with many others here on BF, J and Tess are amongst the finest there are.

RL
 
No problem Matt. We had a pretty good time. Matt was a bit indecisive at first but, we got over that fairly quickly. He picked out a small (approx. 4") skinner/caper blade, similar to our Rock Mountain Skinner model. We forged out the blade (taper and tang) and went through our thermal cylces, then picked and cut out materials for the handle/guard. I'll heat-treat it this weekend and them we get to grind. :D I think you had a good time Matt and I appreciate your patience with me since I'm not much of a teacher. For me the best way to learn was to do so, I'd show him what I did, then hand over the hammer. I'm looking forward to seing what we come up with.
 
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