jjtjr said:
The reason that I belong to the ABS as a collector is not just to look at pictures in the ABS magazine, but to help an organization that I think has benefitted anyone interested in handmade knives whether forged or not. The more information that I have the better my collection will become. The ABS Hammerins are a great way to get this knowledge as well as meet some great people. Anyone who has attended the Moran Hammer-in and been to Bill's shop and seen him forge would agree.
Jim - I share your sentiments!
Specifically, I wanted my kids to learn first hand about forging steel, making knives and other tools. The ABS hammer-ins have served that purpose better than I could ever have imagined. Before long I and my sons will have attented the two-week introduction to bladesmithing course at the Moran School of Bladesmithing. Every father learns the painful lesson that there comes a time when their kids are less receptive to what a father has to teach. The solution is to get kids in front of other adults who can teach them. The growing ABS Youth Program is of value to me in that way.
Additionally, from the knife collector perspective I need to protect my investment in original W. Scagel knives by supporting the only organization out there that is interested in celebrating Scagel's work and place in history as "the father of modern knifemaking" - namely the ABS.
The ABS has also provided me and many others the chance to meet and observe the work of Bill Moran, a living legend whose profound contributions to the world of custom knives will be greatly magnified in the future. This type of experience is simply not available anywhere else out there.
For anyone interested in American 19th century history, the Bowie knife looms large. Again the ABS has embraced and promoted this area. There is a certain unintended but undeniable connection between the ABS and the ABKA (American Bowie Knife Association), something that has been a real plus for me given my particular interests.
I definitely understand that there is a lot more to the custom knife world than what the ABS represents - a lot of great makers and activities. The ABS will never be all things to all people because in the final analysis the ABS is really all about education. To quote from their web-site:
"Our Commitment...
The American Bladesmith Society, Inc. pledges to diligently, reasonably and responsibly work exclusively for the purposes of promoting and advancing the art and science of the forged blade and other implements. And also to inform and educate the public in respect to bladesmithing, metal forging and heat treating processes, knife and tool design and fabrication, related arts and other areas in which the Society has expertise.
Our History ...
The American Bladesmith Society, Inc. (ABS) was established to preserve and promote the art of bladesmithing and to educate collectors and the public on the qualities of the forged blade.
Since its beginning in 1976, the society has grown to where it is now International in scope. This development is the direct result of the Society's efforts in promoting the forged blade, and to offer an ABS training program that recognizes the unique abilities of its own Bladesmiths. Blades made by Society members are most sought after by collectors, hunter and others, who seek the beauty and quality that is recognized in blades made in this manner.
In May 1988, the first bladesmithing college in the world was opened in Washington, Arkansas. The ABS offers formal training at the college in all aspects of knifemaking by some of the best artists and craftsmen in the country. A wide variety of courses are held annually. The ABS believes that its education efforts have provided the foundation to produce outstanding bladesmiths among its members. The Society also believes it is having a large influence throughout the country, in establishing and recognizing the forged blade as an accepted American art form."
That Jerry Fisk is listening in on this discussion is significant since he is clearly one of the, if not "the" heir apparent to the reins of the ABS in the future. All the good ideas brought up here will undoubtedly get discussed by the ABS board because of Jerry. West coast, member directory, cross-pollenation with the art world, modernized web presence - all make a lot of sense to me.
Forgive me if I sound like a 'cheerleader' for the ABS. It's not that way. It's simply the result of a good fit between my specific interests as a knife enthusiast and the mission of the ABS. I love the whole world of knives, all the organizations, all the magazines, all the shows and all the people. It's all good! Unfortunately, limitations of time an resources prevent me from being able to partake of everything. For that reason I feel fortunate to have discovered the ABS.
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