Hello Ed. I have to admire your fortitude. Hammering damascus billets by hand is kind of like driving across Texas, it will take a while. I did it onc...

I agree with everything Ed says. Spending the money on a good machine will save you in the long run. I have a Bader B III variable speed. When I got m...

Cheyenne, knowing Jot Singh Kalsa's work, the handle is probably stone. It looks like malachite or maybe dark jade. The damascus pattern appears to be...

Welcome to the ABS and the forum Dylan. Good to have you aboard. Like Lin and Kevin state 5160 is a good all around steel. As for wrought iron, you mi...

Thanks Frank for jogging my brain. Big duh! moment. Yes I do believe that is Bill's mark. A W over an M inside an oval. Bill Miller is out of Wars...

Hello Ernie and welcome. Like Lin I am interested in the damascus name etching. I am always up for a better way. Keep us informed on your results. B...

Hello Gary. I happen to have an old book by Blackie Collins on scrimshaw and they use Higgins waterproof india ink. It does come in colors also. Diane...

Hello Barry, you are welcome. With the scales I meant, not neccessarily even with the ricasso, but that the scales up at the end by the ricasso should...

Hello Karl. As far as training goes, basically it is done by being a judge. There are no set training criteria for being a judge. One thing that is be...

From what I can tell Barry, it looks pretty good. Good dimensions on handle versus blade length. The pins are basically centered. Nice handle shape, l...

Thank you George. Diane and I hope everyone had a good Christmas, Hannukah, or holiday. We wish everyone in the ABS a great new year. Brion and D...

Thank you Dale. Diane and I hope that all our members had a great Christmas and will have a great new year. Brion and Diane

You are welcome Justin. Actually you could add a buttcap to a handle to shift the weight slightly. A lot depends on handle material, handle length, an...

Justin, on my bowies, larger ones that is I like the balance point to be just in front of the guard. Maybe 1/2" to 1" in front. I do this by tapering ...