This page features articles and YouTube videos by American Bladesmith Society Master Smiths and Journeyman Smiths on bladesmithing techniques and methods of work. These articles are made available for educational purposes and are intended for use by experienced bladesmiths using recognized safety rules, approved safety equipment, and good common sense. Bladesmithing tools and equipment may be dangerous, even deadly, if used improperly or with negligence.

Forging

 “Forging a Hunter Demonstration”  at Great Smoky Mountain Hammer-In by Greg Neely, MS

 “Introduction to Bladesmithing” by Jim Saviano, MS

Damascus steel

 “Materials for Making Damascus Steel” by Ed Caffrey, MS

 “The Making of a Damascus Steel Knife” by ABS

Heat Treating

 “Heat Treating” by Bill Moran, MS

 “Heat Treating” by Jerry Fisk, MS

Handles and Guards

 “Selecting and Making the Guard” by Joe Keeslar, MS

 “Jigging and Shaping Knife Handle Scales – YouTube Video” By Steve Dunn, Master Smith

Embellishment

 “The Art of Silver Wire Inlay” by Jay Henderickson, MS 

Daggers

 “Making a Guard for a Quillon Dagger – YouTube video” by Bill Moran, MS

 “The Quillon Dagger – 2013 Board Knife of the Year” – YouTube video by Kevin Cashen, MS

Knife Design and Construction

“Knife Construction and Design” by Jerry Fisk, MS

 “Knife Design Concepts” by Dan Petersen, MS

 “Making an Integral Knife” by Ray Kirk, MS

 “Planning and Designing the 2010 JS Knife of the Year- Part 1 of 2” by Brian Thie, JS

 “Planning and Designing the 2010 JS Knife of the Year- Part 2 of 2” by  Brian Thie, JS

 “Slide Show – Knife Design Concepts” by Dan Petersen, MS

“Handles & Guards Class Information” by Kevin Cashen, MS

Tools, Jigs, and Materials Tips on tools and supplies

This section contains articles on Tools, Jigs, and Materials that are useful in bladesmithing.
These articles are made available for educational purposes and are intended for use by experienced bladesmiths using recognized safety rules, approved safety equipment, and good common sense. Bladesmithing tools and equipment may be dangerous, even deadly, if used improperly or with negligence.

“Anvil Stand” by Dan Cassidy, JS

 “Tire Power Hammer Plans” by Clay Spencer

 “Wilton Square Wheel Grinder – Tricking it Out” by Ed Caffrey, MS

 “Tools for Silver Wire Inlay – ABS YouTube Video” by Joe Keeslar, MS

 “Milling Vises – Selection and Use – ABS YouTube Video” by Dale Schaefer,  Machine/Tool Technology Instructor at the Washburn Institute of Technology

 ” Leveling Table Jig – ABS YouTube Video” – by Hanford Miller, MS 

 

ABS University

ABS University is a benefit we offer to our members, to have access to advanced information to assist them in pursuing excellence in creating forged blades.  To become a member and access information in ABS University click “Join the ABS” in the navigation at the top of this page.

Forging

 “Forging the Drop Point Hunter” by Jim Crowell, MS

 “Some Metallurgical Facts About Blade Forging” by Kevin Cashen, MS

 

Damascus steel

 “Damascus Steel” by Don Fogg, MS

 

Advanced Heat Treatment

“Salt Baths” by Kevin Cashen, MS

 “Heat Treating with Salt Tanks” by Dan Petersen, MS 

 “Quenching” by Kevin Cashen, MS

 “The Ups and Downs of Austenite” by Kevin Cashen, MS

 “Everything You Wanted to Know About Martensite…” by Kevin Cashen, MS

 

Handles and Guards

 “Frame Handles” by JR Cook, MS 

 “Installing a Guard and Mortised Handle” by Lin Rhea, MS

 “Making a Shaped Damascus Guard for a Dog Bone Bowie” by John White, MS 

 “Precision Guard Fitting and Design Using Paper Patterns” By Steve Culver, MS

 

Embellishment

  “Silver Wire Inlay” by Joe Keeslar, MS

 “Engraving Transfer Method” by Steve Culver, MS

 

Daggers

 “Making Daggers” Slide Show by Kevin Cashen, MS 

  “Making Daggers” by Don Fogg, MS

 

Knife Design and Construction

 “Building a Slip Joint Folder” Part 1 of 2 by Steve Culver, MS

 “Building a Slip Joint Folder” Part 2 of 2 by Steve Culver, MS

 

Other Blades- Tomahawks, Swords, Axes, and more

“Making a Pipe Axe from a Gun Barrel” by Forest “Butch” Sheely, JS

 “Forging a Tomahawk” by Jack Fuller, MS

 “Forging a Polled Tomahawk” by Forest “Butch” Sheely, JS

 

Tools, Jigs, and Materials Tips on tools and supplies

 “Clip Grinding Attachment” by Steve Culver, MS