J.D. SMITH
I am glad to have the opportunity to introduce to you one of the best bladesmiths in the world, ABS Master Bladesmith J.D. Smith. His various patterns of hand forged torsion damascus as well as his fit and finish are second to none. Being Mastersmith of the ABS for many years Mr. Smith has improved the Firestorm damascus. He has an exqisite sense of traditional form and geometry that leads into superb designed and well created knives. Just gorgeous work of art leaves his workbench.
Enjoy the knives of this outstanding Mastersmith !
´The craft discipline I have chosen is as old as the Iron Age itself. I teach Traditional Bladesmithing and the fabrication of pattern welded steels, also known to many as Damascus Steel.
Bladesmithing is the art of forging by hand edged implements with high performance characteristics. Using the techniques I have developed over a 25 year span. I instruct qualified individuals in the craft of creating edged implements (knives, swords, chisels, engraving tools, etc.)with superior qualities. These would include; superior edge holding, strength, optimal design for the intended function, beauty of form.
Over the years I have devoted a large portion of my time to the understanding and fabrication of Damascus steel, or as it sometimes referred to; pattern welded steel.
My CD/DVD tutorial on this topic is now considered the industry standard for instruction of this kind.
The graceful beauty of the objects I create is born of a deep respect and reverence of the materials from which I craft them. I prefer using relatively humble materials, (exotic woods, shed antlers, Steel, bronze) adding beauty and value with skilled craftsmanship.
I began as an apprentice Blacksmith at the Saugus Iron Works National historic Park in Saugus MA., under the instruction of Steven Nichols. After mastering traditional smithing skills, I turned my attentions to the more specialized area of bladesmithing. At the time there were not many instructional texts available to anyone desiring knowledge of this esoteric discipline. This fact drove me to seek others of like interest, first through the New England Blacksmith Association and then through The New England Bladesmithing Group. With the help of individuals like Jot Khalsa and Jimmy L. Fikes, I was able to glean sufficient information to pursue further knowledge on an individual basis. Eventually, I joined The American Bladesmith Society as an apprentice and advanced through the journeyman grade on to the rank of Master Bladesmith., a status enjoyed by fewer than seventy other individuals worldwide. May I add as well that I am the first person of color to have achieved this coveted recognition and remain a proud example for others who may follow.
I have given instruction in this rare and traditional craft skill at the Massachusetts College of Art for the last eleven years in both the continuing Ed. and matriculated programs for the last seven years I have been a regular instructor at Peter´s Valley Crafts School in Leighton NJ. and at Penland Craft School in SC. as well.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to instruct other talented young persons in this unique art/craft. Presently Mr. Paul Cooper, a decidedly talented and deserving young man finds himself under my tutelage for the last two years or so. It is his work ethic, attention to detail, acutely intelligent mind and artistic sensibilities that recommend him for further instruction. Please review his statement and examples of his work.´
Please send us a note whenever you need any further details on J.D. Smith´s work.
If you would like to order a knife from J.D. Smith please send us an email to info@arscultri.com.
J.D. Smith is Master Bladesmith of THE AMERICAN BLADESMITH SOCIETY and Master Artisan and Craftsman of the MASSACHUSETTS CULTURAL COUNICIL.
AWARDS
1992 - ECCKS Judges award
1992 - NECCA Best of Show
1993 - Damscus USA Moran award
1993 - Fighting Knives Mag. Artistry in Steel award
1994 - Best sword OKCA show
1994 - Best in show OKCA show
1994 - Best Fighter OKCA show
1994 - RICKS show, Best Fixed Blade
1995 - OKCA show, Best Hand Forged Knife of show
1995 - OKCA show, Best Damascus Knife of Show
1995 - San Jose' show, Best Fighter of show
1995 - RICKS show Best of Show
1996 - Blade Mag. Best Handmade Award
1996 - Northeast Custom Knife Show, Best of Show
1996 - OKCA, Best Damscus Knife of Show
1997 - Northeast Custom Knife Show, Best Fixed blade
1998 - Blade Mag. Best Fighter
1998 - T.O.M.B. B.R. Hughes award, Best MasterSmith Candidate
1998 - OKCA Best Fighting Knife
2000 - OKCA Best Fighting Knife
2001 - OKCA Best Bowie Knife
