What is a Master Bladesmith and does it really matter?

snubbie said:
Why this reply? The OP clearly IS exercising motivation to "self-inform" online. He happened to choose this forum to do so. Where else would one go but where such a collection of knifemakers exists in one spot but one of the foremost sites FOR knifemakers, collectors, and enthusiasts? Even a Google search would likely lead him here. Besides, isn't a forum just a conversation? To call him ignorant or unmotivated is a bit unfair IMO. Personally, I gained a lot of useful info from this thread and I thank you for your explanation of necessary dues to ABS to maintain a rightfully earned title, (which I have some opinions about but I'll keep them to myself).
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It's just the way he talks, so don't mind him, he's much more personable in person. :-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
snubbie said:
Why this reply? The OP clearly IS exercising motivation to "self-inform" online. He happened to choose this forum to do so. Where else would one go but where such a collection of knifemakers exists in one spot but one of the foremost sites FOR knifemakers, collectors, and enthusiasts? Even a Google search would likely lead him here. Besides, isn't a forum just a conversation? To call him ignorant or unmotivated is a bit unfair IMO. Personally, I gained a lot of useful info from this thread and I thank you for your explanation of necessary dues to ABS to maintain a rightfully earned title, (which I have some opinions about but I'll keep them to myself).
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He wears a fedora.

Enuf said :)
 
AVigil said:
He wears a fedora.

Enuf said :)
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I ROCK a fedora(about 1/2 dozen different models truth be told).

It's a man's hat, and compared to those "fellows" wearing a backwards baseball cap, wear it proudly.

Californians are unlikely to understand.:p

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Not meaning to derail this thread, but my statement about being a former MS is due in part that I'm no longer an ABS member, but also because I've made ONE knife since 2009. I'm a full time gunmaker and part time rancher ( www.bcwagyu.com ) . It is what it is, but I no longer feel I have a valid claim on the title.
 
Snubbie, Lorien, et al, since this thread was moderately derailed by the last few posts, I will add this...........
STeven is definitely not as ass.......but if he were to decide to be an ass, he would be the biggest and most perfect ass you could imagine. He is actually filled from the top to the bottom of his relatively stunted frame with more knife general knowledge than almost anyone I know. I do not think his choice of headwear is pertinent to the fact he has this knowledge or his method if dissemination.

Lorien, you are my good friend, and now for better or worse you find yourself in a position of moderator of this forum. I do not think name calling, no matter how minor, reflects your true personality and certainly not that of a moderator. Please don't make me take you out behind the woodshed.;)

Love you all

Paul
 
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Dues are $60.00 a year, David. I do think that is regardless of ranking(Apprentice, JS, MS).

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
sheathmaker said:
Snubbie, Lorien, et al, since this thread was moderately derailed by the last few posts, I will add this...........
STeven is definitely not as ass.......but if he were to decide to be an ass, he would be the biggest and most perfect ass you could imagine. He is actually filled from the top to the bottom of his relatively stunted frame with more knife general knowledge than almost anyone I know. I do not think his choice of headwear is pertinent to the fact he has this knowledge or his method if dissemination.

Lorien, you are my good friend, and now for better or worse you find yourself in a position of moderator of this forum. I do not think name calling, no matter how minor, reflects your true personality and certainly not that of a moderator. Please don't make me take you out behind the woodshed.;)

Love you all

Paul
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not name calling by any stretch, Paul :)
 
Lorien said:
not name calling by any stretch, Paul :)
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Reminds me of a friend of mine, whose girlfriend would would tell him, "I didn't call you an ass, I said you're acting like an ass!"

:D
 
Thanks all for the info. Definitely better than google (which is where I started). That being said and not knowing Steven beyond this thread, a fedora does say something about someone, usually it says they sell cell phones in a mall kiosk or they are going bald.
 
Well, as long as he doesn't wear a baseball style cap backwards on his head earns him points.:cool: So all can be forgiven I suppose. Wearing a fedora is another subject altogether.:eek:
 
Karl, you are right as well as others that the ABS oversees the MS, but they do not own it. They never had it trademarked, or at least the last time I checked.
 
There are many Master Smiths out there who chose not to join the ABS, others once were members but have resigned, each for their own reasons. Some ABS Mastersmiths have never used their stamps, choosing to let their workmanship speak for itself.

The MS Stamp is no guarantee of quality it simply means that the maker made 10 good knives and passed some performance tests at one time. The only way you will know the quality of one of his knives made today is ask him the tasks his knives were designed and developed to perform and about his guarantee. Then judge the knife from your perspective.
 
wheelgunrambo said:
Thanks all for the info. Definitely better than google (which is where I started). That being said and not knowing Steven beyond this thread, a fedora does say something about someone, usually it says they sell cell phones in a mall kiosk or they are going bald.
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I am seriously balding but wore a fedora well before that....you forgot the third option.....they really liked pre-JFK headwear, had a fetish for Indiana Jones, and also have a number of bullwhips(aversion to snakes optional).

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I actually own a fedora, too. Had it since very shortly after Indiana Jones came out, in fact it's a movie replica. My favourite hat, and it does a great job of hiding my emmigrating bald patch :)

Paul- no worries man
 
Offering some thoughts on the original question for this thread, attaining the title of Master Bladesmith is not something just handed out arbitrarily. These guys work extremely hard and their dedication to their craft is commendable.

From my limited perspective, I have seen incredible skill, design creativity and knowledge demonstrated by some celebrated knifemakers here on BF, whether or not they have the Master Bladesmith title. All of them are incredibly talented individuals with much to offer this community. Seeking recognition as a "Master Bladesmith" is a personal choice for each individual I would guess. Personally, I judge a maker on the competence/quality of his blades regardless of his title. I have had the privilege of owning many varied pieces from Apprentices, Master Bladesmiths and everyone in between. Each represented a valuable contribution to the knifemaking/collecting/using community. I respect each piece equally.

I do not know firsthand, but would imagine, that with bladesmithing or any other labor intensive craft, many many hours are put into it and many sacrifices are made. The piece--knife, sword etc.--is an expression of that smith and his personal journey. Like anything, I'm sure lessons are learned and skill level increases with time. The title of Master Bladesmith is one resulting culmination of all of that. I think it is important because it represents a recognition of the highest level of accomplishment as defined by other bladesmiths. It implies a certain exclusivity.

My thoughts FWIW
 
When I got my ABS Mastersmith rating I thought I knew it all, I was soon to learn that the MS Stamp was just a beginning and that there was a lot more to learn, after 35 years and many additional blades as well as books I now know that the ABSMS stamp is just a beginning. I know there is still a lot more for me to learn.
 
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