Home Fires

Heather and Kevin Harvey M.S.

American Bladesmith Society Master Bladesmiths since 2003

Introduction to “Bladesmithing Solutions”

Remember, you can never have too many knives!

“Heavin” HEAther and KeVIN would like to introduce you to their new website, where they will share their vast bladesmithing knowledge with aspiring and experienced bladesmiths, helping them to get started in the wonderful craft or honing their skills with more advanced methods. Having taught more than 2500 students since 2001 and authored the book “How to Make a Narrow Tang Knife”, they know where new bladesmithing enthusiasts need help.

“Heavin” Heather and Kevin Harvey M.S.

We get commissions for purchases made through links in these posts.

List of Knife-Related Suppliers in South Africa.

Bladesmithing 101

Through regular blog posts, they would like to introduce you to new or old tried-and-tested methods, equipment, tools, videos to watch, or books to buy—everything to enhance your bladesmithing hobby or career. You are welcome to ask them questions. Remember, “Heavin Knows,” and if they don’t, they will do their best to find out!

You do not need “superpowers” to become a bladesmith, says Kevin, while heating up a blade with his “steely stare!”

There are no “secrets” in bladesmithing, “Heavin Knows!”

The American Bladesmith Society

The purpose and mission of the ABS is: “The American Bladesmith Society, Inc. (ABS) was incorporated as a non-profit corporation to operate for educational, scientific, and charitable purposes. The American Bladesmith Society was formed primarily to encourage and promote activities involving the art and science of forging metal, particularly tools, weapons and art forms. The objectives of the educational programs of the ABS are to inform and educate knife makers and the public about the art, science, technology, history and culture relating to forged edged tools, weapons and artifacts and the proper care and use of these objects.”

Heavin has been associated with the ABS since 1998 when they attended the ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing and Introduction to Damascus courses at the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing in Old Washington, Arkansas, USA. At that time, the school was the sole bladesmithing institution worldwide. They participated in their inaugural “Hammer-in” and the first International Cutting Competition, where Kevin achieved joint second place. Since then, they have enrolled in all available ABS courses and eventually earned accreditation to teach there. They strongly recommend joining the ABS, the premier international bladesmithing organization known for freely sharing knowledge and advancing the art of forged blades.

Heavin respects all knife organizations but firmly believes that for accurate information on forged blades, particularly on social media, you can rely on the ABS and its members. In an era of information saturation, it’s easy to waste time and money on misinformation. Trust the ABS; “Heavin knows!”

The ABS now has 9 accredited schools. 8 in the U.S.A. and the other is Heavin’s own school in South Africa. Heavin Forge Bladesmithing Studio and School. There are less than 150 ABS Master Bladesmiths and only 30 accredited ABS instructors in the world; Kevin and Heather are two of them. Here is the link to the ABS Schools page on their website. If you live in the U.S.A or are able to travel there or to South Africa and want to start your bladesmithing the correct way, they strongly recommend that you attend one of their courses. Here is a quote from the ABS website, “The ABS offers courses in several aspects of bladesmithing.  In accelerating a bladesmith’s learning, the advantages offered by these classes are so great that anybody attending an ABS Intro to Bladesmithing Course is allowed to eliminate an entire year from the required time as an Apprentice smith while waiting to test for Journeyman smith.”

Many of Heavin’s students have gone on to become ABS Journeyman and Master Bladesmiths as well as members of the Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa. The pride that they feel with regards to their student’s successes is immeasurable.

Find out how to build a business from affiliate marketing.