2011 ABS Judging for Master Smith and Journeyman Smith Ratings in Atlanta

[Dan Cassidy]

ABS Judging for Master Smith and Journeyman Smith Ratings in Atlanta at 2011 Blade Show

ABS bladesmiths who plan to be juried for the MS or JS rating at the Blade Show in Atlanta on June 10, 2011 need to contact our Webmaster (abswebmaster@americanbladesmith.com) at least 30 days prior (May 11th) to let him know that you will be presenting your knives. We need to check the ABS membership records in advance and to verify your ABS join date, school attendance date if applicable, dues payment record, and obtain a copy of your Performance Test Certification Form. We will then prepare and certify a list of eligible candidates for the Judging Panels.

The Judges have requested that the candidates be advised that “the judging rooms will be closed at 8 a.m. sharp on Friday morning June 10th, and no one will be admitted thereafter until the judging is completed.” You should arrive at the judging room early and it may be best to arrive at 7:30 a.m. with your five (5) presentation knives, performance test knife, and original Performance Test Certification Form.

Please contact Dan Cassidy at abswebmaster@americanbladesmith.com (abswebmaster@americanbladesmith.com)to advise us of your intent to present your knives to the Judging Panel in Atlanta and good luck to all candidates.

[Paul Savage]

Well Dan I just passed my performance test for the JS level this weekend at the Canadian Knifemakers Guild show and sale with Christoph Derringer MS witnessing for me. So now its the big countdown to June and I am planning to present my 5 unless things go horribly wrong or life gets in the way . Paul

[Dan Cassidy]

Paul:

Congratulations on passing your JS Performance Test at the Canadian Knifemakers Guild Show!

Send me a copy of your JS Performance Test Certification Form to my email at abswebmaster@americanbladesmith.com or by regular mail. Sally will check the ABS Membership records for you and then I will put you on the list for Atlanta.

Again congratulations and the best of luck in Atlanta!

[Larry Fuegen]

Just a reminder to all the JS and MS applicants you can also be juried at the 2012 ABS Expo in San Antonio which will be held on Jan. 27-28-29 2012. This is a new feature for the Expo so be the first bladesmiths to get your stamp at the only show that really represents the ABS, it's smiths and the handforged blade. Hopefully all the ABS business will be moved to the Expo in the future where it really belongs. www.absknifeexpo.com/

[Dan Cassidy]

I have been receiving telephone calls and emails from the candidates for JS and MS ratings in Atlanta and as of April 28th there are 24 on the JS Judging List and 3 candidates on the Master Smith Judging List.

[Kevin Jones]

I would recommend that collectors and/or knifemakers who are attending Blade Show and have not done such to somewhat observe the process by meeting and talking to applicants and examining their knives. Most makers will be glad to share their experience with you.

You will generally see some of the finest custom knives in existence among these test knives.

[Dan Cassidy]

Atlanta Judging Panels Announced


Today BR Hughes and Mike Williams announced the names of the Judges for the 2011 Atlanta Blade Show judging for Master Smith and Journeyman Smith ratings. The judging will take place on June 10, 2011 at the Blade Show.

ABS Master Smith Judging Panel
Steve Dunn, Head Judge and Alternate Judge
Bert Gaston
Harvey Dean
J.W. Randall
Mike Vagnino
Wade Colter
Jason Knight
John Horrigan


ABS Journeyman Smith Judging Panel
B.R. Hughes, Head Judge and Alternate Judge
Mike Williams
James Rodebaugh
Terry Vandeventer
John White
James Cook
Jerry Fisk
Brion Tomberlin

Please contact Dan Cassidy at abswebmaster@americanbladesmith.com to advise us of your intent to present your knives to the Judging Panel in Atlanta on or before the deadline of May 11, 2011.