June 24, 2024 by Heather
Joining the American Bladesmith Society
THE ABS PURPOSE and MISSION
“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.”
The original Board of Directors for the American Bladesmith Society was: William F. Moran, Jr., Bill Bagwell, Don Hastings and B.R. Hughes.
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Becoming an American Bladesmith Society (ABS) Journeyman Smith or Master Bladesmith requires a journey of dedication and skill comparable to achieving top-tier status in any profession. The ABS, dedicated to preserving the art of forged blades, oversees these tests which include crafting and testing knives under the scrutiny of Master Bladesmiths. Achieving Journeyman Smith status involves a comprehensive performance test and presentation to judges, while progressing to Master Bladesmith status demands even greater skill with tests involving complex Damascus steel and a unique Quillon dagger.
With less than 150 individuals worldwide holding the esteemed Master Smith rating, this achievement represents a milestone and a commitment to lifelong learning and innovation in bladesmithing. It is more common to be the president of a country than an ABS Mastersmith! For those passionate about the craft, joining the ABS and pursuing these certifications opens doors to a community rich in heritage and expertise, setting the stage for a career marked by excellence and continual growth.
The path to becoming a recognized bladesmith of the highest calibre through the American Bladesmith Society (ABS) is not just a journey of skill but also a testament to dedication, craftsmanship, and perseverance. For those aspiring to achieve the esteemed titles of Journeyman Smith and Master Smith within the ABS, the road is challenging yet deeply rewarding.
Joining the ABS: A Foundation of Community and Heritage
The journey typically begins with becoming a member of the American Bladesmith Society (ABS) as an Apprentice Smith. This step is crucial as it grants access to a community steeped in tradition and equipped with invaluable resources. For new bladesmiths, this membership provides more than just networking opportunities—it’s a gateway to learning from masters and accessing workshops and events that nurture both technical expertise and artistic sensibility.
The Journeyman Smith Pathway:
After three years of Apprentice ABS membership, or two years if you have attended a two-week ABS-sanctioned Introduction to Bladesmithing course. The path to becoming a Journeyman Smith opens up. This phase involves a rigorous two-part examination designed to assess both technical proficiency and the ability to craft blades of exceptional quality.
Performance Test: The first part of the journey involves a performance test where candidates must forge a knife meeting specific criteria. The full-tang carbon steel knife, with a blade no longer than 10 inches and no wider than 2 inches, undergoes a series of demanding trials under the watchful eye of an ABS Mastersmith.
- Sharpness Test: Cutting through a one-inch sisal rope in a single swing.
- Durability and Edge Geometry Test: Chopping through two 2x4s and still being able to shave hair without re-sharpening.
- Heat Treatment Control Test: Surviving a 90-degree bend in a vise, showcasing the blade’s toughness and resilience. A good springback is achievable but the blade may not break in half. It may crack but the crack may not propagate more than a third of the width of the blade.
Judging Panel: Successful candidates proceed to present five knives to a panel of ABS master bladesmiths at the designated shows in the U.S.A. Here, meticulous evaluation focuses on fit, finish, and design, setting a high bar for craftsmanship.
Achieving Master Smith:
For those who attain Journeyman Smith status and continue to hone their craft for at least two more years, the ultimate goal of Master Smith beckons. The tests mirror those of the Journeyman level but with additional challenges, such as crafting a Damascus narrow-tang blade and repeating the J.S performance test. One of the five knives handed in for judging is a complex damascus Quillon dagger. The scrutiny intensifies; every detail must meet exacting standards, demonstrating not just technical skill but also innovation and mastery of design.
Beyond Certification: A Commitment to Excellence
Earning the ABS Master Smith title marks a significant achievement, yet it is only a milestone in a lifelong pursuit of excellence. Continual learning, experimentation with new techniques, and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of the craft define the journey beyond certification. In today’s interconnected world, where knowledge is abundant and innovation thrives, the ABS certification is both a hallmark of tradition and a springboard for further advancement. There are ABS members on 6 continents and is becoming more of an international society which knife collectors appreciate as they know that the quality standards are of the same highest quality no matter where the Mastersmith lives.
Conclusion: Forging Ahead
Becoming an ABS Journeyman Smith or Master Smith is more than obtaining a title; it is a testament to a bladesmith’s skill, passion, and commitment to the craft. Aspiring bladesmiths embarking on this path join a legacy of artisans who have shaped the art of knife making. Whether one aspires to master the intricacies of Damascus steel or innovate with contemporary designs, the ABS provides not just a path but a community of support and excellence.
In closing, while the ABS tests remain a pinnacle of achievement, they are also a beginning—a starting point for a career of continuous learning and growth in the art and science of bladesmithing. Sharing knowledge is one of the ABS’s most important goals; there are no secrets, and every ABS member strives to help up-and-coming smiths. Please click here if you would like to join the ABS. There are three levels of membership. Apprentice, associate and youth. Once you have joined the main benefit is to be able to know that the knowledge gained from the ABS Forum is the best in the world. In these times of uncertainty of whether the smith you are following on YouTube is giving you the correct information or not is mitigated as you can trust the content of the ABS Forum.
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