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What is an ABS Mastersmith? The Requirements: The Test: 2. A two by four must be chopped completely through at least two times and the knife must still be capable of shaving hair. Any knicks, flat spots, chips, rolled edges or other deformations of the blade will result in failure. This tests edge toughness of the knife. 3. A line is marked approximately one third distance from the tip of the blade. The blade is inserted point first in a vise and the blade is bent no less than 90 degrees. The blade may crack at the edge on bending but not beyond two thirds the width of the blade. If any of the blade chips, or any part of the blade or tang breaks off the applicant fails (this is true for any part of the test). Next is the Show Requirement - The Mastersmith applicant must present at least five forged knifes of various styles. The test knife and the "Art knife" required (a European Style Quillion Dagger) must be of 300 or more layers of Pattern Welded Damascus Steel. The applicant for the Show Requirement must have held the rank of Journeyman Smith for at least two years. My testing was in the Oregon shop of Mastersmith Wayne Goddard. My test knife not only passed the three tests with flying colors but came through with no cracking whatsoever at the edge. |
About Ellis Custom Knives: After much experimentation and research, in 1988 I decided that forging would be the preferred method of producing quality blades. I forge and/or grind, heat-treat and finish all of my knives personally. There are no helpers in my shop and I do not depend upon outside heat-treating sources. High Carbon Steels such as 5160, 1095, 1060, 0-1 and 52100 are my steels of choice as well as my own Pattern welded Damascus and Cable. All carbon steel blades are double or triple hardened and tempered four times for toughness. My guarantee is simple. For my lifetime I will repair or replace a defective knife (my choice). I cannot guarantee natural handle materials, neglect or misuse of a knife as I have no control over these items. Most of my carbon steel blades are hand finished to an attractive 400 grit. I find this to be the easiest to keep up and it looks quite nice. Some of my knives exhibit one, two or three distinct temper lines indicating a hard edge and soft spine. Damascus blades are finished to 400 grit before etching. I appreciate your interest in my hand-forged knives and I hope that I can meet your needs. Each month I intend on putting a new featured article on my website. My first feature will be on Damascus Steel. Future articles will range from heat-treating methods, collecting tips and any other knife articles that I feel will be of interest to you. I will also be happy to take your suggestions for future articles of interest. |
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