I see that Nick was posting while I was compiling my response, so you'll see some repetition here. I started this reply in my text editor, then was called away for some "honey-do's".
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I'd like to help clear up some misunderstandings if I may.
The ABS and Stock Removal
The ABS does not dictate that it's members can't make knives by the stock removal method. This is a misunderstanding more than likely based on the rules for testing for a rating, and the cutting competitions.
First, look at the commitment of the ABS:
The American Bladesmith Society, Inc. pledges to diligently, reasonably and responsibly work exclusively for the purposes of promoting and advancing the art and science of the forged blade and other implements. And also to inform and educate the public in respect to bladesmithing, metal forging and heat treating processes, knife and tool design and fabrication, related arts and other areas in which the Society has expertise.
In view of the fact that the ABS exists for the aforementioned purpose, it is only logical that when a member chooses to test for a JS or MS rating, he/she must forge the blades. It is also logical that in the cutting competitions sanctioned by the ABS, the blades would be forged.
Think of it like this. If you are taking a test to be come a master mechanic for General Motors, you would not show up fully expecting to be working on a Ford or Toyota. After all, you are not generically testing for your skills in general automotive mechanics. You are testing specifically for your skills as a mechanic on GM products.
Now, in your everyday dealings, whether it is as a hobbyist, a part-timer, or a full-time maker, you use whatever method presses your buttons at the time. The only time I can think of that the ABS might spank your hand is if your were making blades by the stock removal method and intentionally passing them off as forged.
"They make you do it their way"
There is no "their" way. If you attend classes or the ABS Hammer-in's, there is a phrase that you will often hear -- "This is not the only way, or necessarily the best way. This is the way I do it, and it works well for me".
Through the years I have watched, worked with, sought advice by phone or email etc. from Jerry Fisk, Steve Dunn, Mike Williams, Bert Gaston, Jim Crowell, Bill Moran, John Fitch, Ray Kirk, Bailey Bradshaw, Jim Batson, Jim Luce, Jay Hendrickson, Don Fogg, Howard Clark, Larry Harley, James Cook, Harvey Dean, and list goes on and on.
We all have different techniques with respect to forging, heat treating, and possibly to a lesser degree, grinding and finishing. For example, have you ever watched Harvey Dean grind a blade? He grinds one side edge up and the other side edge down. It's a method that works for him.
It stands to reason that if you learn from one of these guys without any prior experience, you would be learning and doing things the way they do. However, as you mature in the art you begin to experiment and develop your own methods and procedures.
An ABS Style Knife
No such thing.
If we are talking about the vast number knives produced by ABS smiths that have an old style "traditional" look, it's not because the ABS teaches that this IS the style to produce. One reason is that many of us find the old traditional look to be beautiful. Another could be because the traditional styles sell by the tens of thousands. It stands to reason that if you can make a style that you personally like AND can be paid well for it, that is the style that you would lean towards.
But there is no ABS style knife. Look at the work of several ABS smiths. Here are some suggestions out of several hundred. Check out Bill Moran, Jerry Fisk, Darrel Ralph, Conny Persson, Larry Harley, Ed Fowler, and Daniel Winkler. How different can you get?
The only time you are told (or strongly advised) to stay within a certain set of parameters is when you are testing for your JS or MS rating.
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Nick said ...
Some folks get upset and make loud statements about the ABS, but it's usually somebody who thinks that if they join an organization, said organization is supposed to do everything for them.
Some may see it as a harsh and even offensive statement, but the mere act of being a member and paying dues is not going to do much for you other than give you a good feeling because you are supporting a fine organization. To get anything out of it, you must put something in. You must participate.
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As far as getting help from "the powers that be", that's a problem because there aren't any "powers that be" such as a big building with a CEO and employees that answer the phone and emails all day. The ABS is a big group of folks scattered around the world, that give what time they can to the effort.
When we have problems, we contact each other. When you become an "active" member you will form strong friendships with like-minded smiths. Problems that require immediate attention are resolved by calling someone in your little click of close friends, or if you are brand new, by contacting a smith who you know through forums like this one. Also, one of the things you get when you join up is an ABS directory will all our addresses, phone numbers, website URL's, and email addresses.
For questions about the school, you would contact Scotty Hayes at Texarkana College. The school is cooperative effort between The American Bladesmith Society, Inc., Texarkana College, and The Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation in Old Washington, Arkansas. All this information is on the ABS website.
