EdCaffreyMS Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Hello! A buddy recently emailed about this forum, and I decided to have a look and see. Looks like a wonderful place! I'm Ed Caffrey, ABS Mastersmith. I've been a Blacksmith/Bladesmith for 25+ years, and a full time Bladesmith for the last 5 years. After 22 years in the US Air Force, I decided that I was getting too old and slow for that young man's game. I retired, and ever since have been full time in my shop. My Blacksmith shop consists of a 20'X 50" structure, with 3 propane forges, two Trenton, and one Kolishwa anvil, a 110lb Say-Mak air hammer, a 25+ ton forging press, a digitally controlled "salt tank", and all the other associated goodies gathered over all these years. I also have a finish shop in a separate building with everything I need to complete the messes I start at the forge. My passion for the last several years has been Mosaic Damascus. Looking forward to learning from everyone here, and the great discussions that are sure to take place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candidquality Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 I'd always heard there was someone living in Montana. Glad to have you aboard. We've got quite a crew here ranging from those that make a penny or two at it (though they'll deny it) to those just starting out. Hopefully you'll enjoy it here and teach us a trick or two. I'm sure we'll try to return the favor. Do us a favor and post pictures of what you can when you've the chance. Even those of us who have no clue what it really takes to make a good knife can still appreciate the beauty of the finished product. See ya around, James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Turner Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Hi Ed glad you stopped in they have a nice chat area here, it will be nice to get more bladesmith folks in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdCaffreyMS Posted November 13, 2007 Author Share Posted November 13, 2007 Thanks fellas! Mike, Thanks for referring me to this place! It looks like a wonderful place with a lot of really nice folks. It'll be a pleasant change from some of the "other" forums where all the squabbling goes on. James, To make sure I'm doing things correctly, which forums should I post knife pics on? Don't want to come in here and goof up right outta the gate! Again, thanks for the kind, warm welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Turner Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Hi Ed, They have a Bladesmithing section in the forum listing for us to post our knives in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Dean Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Howdy from East TEXAS! and welcome to IFI. You can post pictures in the Gallery AND the bladesmith section. Won't hurt a thing. I don't do blades, yet anyway. I have been in the metal trade for 34+yrs but feel I need to master blacksmithing before attempting blades. Kick back, look around, ask ?'s (if needed), and chip in on the different threads. All of us will be glad you did. Let me THANK YOU for your service to this GREAT NATION and the sacrifices I'm sure you and your family gave. I have a nephew-in-law that retired last yr after 28yrs service. He now works for a civilian company at Randolf AFB. Anyhoo, Thank you, sir. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Mayo Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Welcome to the forum Ed glad to have you and your wealth of knowledge. Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted T Posted November 14, 2007 Share Posted November 14, 2007 Ed Caffrey, ABS Mastersmith' I also welcome you to IFI. Hopefully you will willing to become instrumental in raising the bar of excellence of the teaching/learning process that I anticipate will be endless here at IFI. I have observed that on occasion there are differences of opinions that causes slight skirmishes to ensue about who is correct about a certain procedure or concept used in the blacksmithing craft. With your added expertise coupled with the other blacksmiths of quality who are active here at IFI, it should help in smoothing out disputed issues even more quickly. Again, Welcome! Be safe! Old Rusty Ted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdCaffreyMS Posted November 14, 2007 Author Share Posted November 14, 2007 Hi Ted! In my experience there will always be disagreements on methodology. I've come to realize over all these years that much depends on the individual, and how thinga work in their individual shops. There are of course some things that are pretty much concrete, but I often will preface a statement with "This is how it works for me." Early in my career I ran into some instances where I had made a statement about how something works...and a day or two later it had become "Ed Caffrey says you HAVE to do it this way", when I had said no such thing. Now I try to let folks know that I certainly don't know it all. In fact the more I learn, the more I understand I really don't know that much! I've had a bit of time to wonder around the site, and am very impressed with what I've found. I hope to be able to contribute to the "Blue Print" section, and look forward to the chat room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunterbow Smithy Posted November 15, 2007 Share Posted November 15, 2007 Welcome Ed, I have seen your work and watched your videos; you set the bar very high indeed! It is nice to see a smith of caliber willing to share your knowledge, so that those of us who can't afford a good knife can at least try to make one (: Best regards, Chad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Turner Posted November 15, 2007 Share Posted November 15, 2007 Hi Ed maybe we can set up a once a week chat for the bladesmiths, just pick a time and day and make it known, I am sure we can get a good crowd and get some serious blade talk in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdwarner Posted November 15, 2007 Share Posted November 15, 2007 welcome Ed i love the appearance of your hammer , looking forward to hearing your insights. thankyou for your service to this country chuck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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