Why join the ABS?

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FatherCorby

Joined
Sep 9, 2013
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I am a new knife maker. I am starting to acquire equipment and am reading all I can about the process. There are a lot of people that say joining the ABS is a good start. I was wondering what are the benefits of joining. Why is it a good thing to do?
 
If you're interested primarily in forging blades, there's a lot of good information in their forums, and you can't participate without joining.
If you want to pitch in to help an organization that promotes top quality forged blades and skills, the fee goes to good projects.
They also sponsor members-only gatherings that focus on making forged blades.

If your primary focus is on stock removal (as opposed to forged) blades, then it's just another interesting website.
 
Just to clarify, there are no member only events in the ABS that I'm aware of.

All our Hammer-ins are open to the public, as are all the classes. I took my first ABS class when I wasn't a member, and the quality of it, the enthusiasm of the instructor, and the pride with which the dedicated members have toward the mission statement, the organization, and each other, made me decide to join at that point.

I'm not a joiner, and I tend to be skeptical of organizations in general. The ABS is the only group I'm a member of, and I'm extremely proud to count myself apart of it.


I recommend going to the ABS website and reading the mission statement. If it's not something that resonates with you, something you feel intrinsically attached to. I don't recommend joining. If you're just looking for a leg up or a head start on knifemaking as a business, I don't recommend joining. If however, you feel idealistically drawn to the purpose of this non-profit organization of peers, if the forged blade feels fundamental to you and the pursuit of excellence, and the proliferation of that fundamental craft drives you, then, you need to be a part of the only organization dedicated to such.


Edit: Just want to clarify, that these are just my opinions, something I feel passionate about, but I'm not trying to speak for the organization or other members of the ABS. Since the OP was obviously asking for input, I'm giving it from my perspective.
 
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I have never joined because I like using modern stainless steels and make my knives by stock removal.

I respect and appreciate the ABS and their members. I just haven't found a need or reason to join them since I don't forge my blades.
 
The ABS and Knife Makers Guild are the professional societies for knife makers. When you get to a point in your knife making carrer, where your skills increase, you can test for Journeymansmith in the ABS (Mastersmith after Journeymansmith) , or become a voting member in the Guild... both officially give credibility to your skills
 
Bob Katilus said:
The ABS and Knife Makers Guild are the professional societies for knife makers. When you get to a point in your knife making carrer, where your skills increase, you can test for Journeymansmith in the ABS (Mastersmith after Journeymansmith) , or become a voting member in the Guild... both officially give credibility to your skills
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There is consumer recognition for the js and ms ratings
 
Thanks for the clarification, Javand- I'm new to the ABS, good to know. Amazing bunch of people.
 
Bob Katilus said:
The ABS and Knife Makers Guild are the professional societies for knife makers. When you get to a point in your knife making carrer, where your skills increase, you can test for Journeymansmith in the ABS (Mastersmith after Journeymansmith) , or become a voting member in the Guild... both officially give credibility to your skills
Click to expand...

Yes, this. Also, both organizations are built around the idea of promoting knives and knifemaking and of passing on knowledge. Each pushes its members to a higher standard of quality, and each gladly shares information within the organization.

I'm mostly a stock removal guy right now, and just came back from the guild show where I was accepted as a probationary member, but I intend to do the ABS JS thing once I achieve voting member status in the guild. For me, both are an excuse to learn something new and continue to push my skills, and an opportunity to meet new folks and increase my exposure.
 
If you think you might want to do the JS thing, join now. They have a 3 year waiting period or you can shave 1 year off if you attend the intro class. That 3 years is a long wait if you are already an reasonably accomplished knife maker. Join the ABS for your reasons, it can help with recognition but is not a magic wand. You will still need to develop your own client base. Some don't like the "politics" associated with any large organization. If you can look past this you will find it is a great place to learn and share your knowledge.
 
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