BLADE Magazine

New American Bladesmith Society Office Announced

ABS Chairman Jim Batson has announced that effective immediately the Business Office for the American Bladesmith Society has been moved to Grand Rapids, Ohio and Cindy Sheely is the ABS Office Manager. Cindy can be reached at [email protected] or call (419) 832-0400.

The new American Bladesmith Society office address is:

American Bladesmith Society, Inc.

P. O. Box 160

Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522

The Cypress, Texas Office is now closed.

7th Mid-America Bladesmithing Symposium

August 26, 27, and 28, 2011

Offered by the American Bladesmith Society, Inc.

Hosted by the Southern Ohio Forge and Anvil Blacksmith Association

ABS YouTube Channel Video Clip from last year’s Mid America Symposium
Master Smith Joe Keeslar – Silver Wire Inlay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCTIeECDDxQ

Location:
Miami County Fairgrounds
650 County Road 25A
Troy, Ohio 45373

Contact: Jim Batson at 256-971-6860 or [email protected] for more information

Registration: $55

Pre-Register and pay the $55 Registration fee online in the Store

or Cindy Sheely, ABS Office Manager at [email protected] or (419) 832-0400

Demonstrators:

Joe Keeslar, MS – KY …………………Silver Wire Inlay and File Work

Jim Batson, MS – AL……………………Simple Bladesmith Metallurgy

Zoe Christ, AP – NC…………………….Damascus Steel from A to Z

Brian Thie, JS – IA……………………..Handles & Guards and Leather Sheaths

Daniel Warren, JS- NC………………..Forging and Finishing Integrals

Carolyn Hughes, Editor – TX…………Promotion and Marketing

BR Hughes, Founder – TX…………….MS and JS Judging Standards, Auctioneer

Butch Sheely, JS – OH…………………Blade Forging, Grinding, Heat Treating, and Cutting Demonstration

Bill Wiggins, JS – NC……………………Damascus Steel

Demonstrators and SOFA……………..Hands on Forging

Accommodations:

Electrical Hook-ups & Primitive Camping, washrooms & showers are available, no sanitary hook-ups.

Super 8 Motel, 937/339-6564, 1330 Archer Dr, 1-75 exit 73 East to Archer Dr, ask for ABS rates

Best Western Luxbury Inn, 937/335-0021, 1375 W Ohio Rt 55, 1-75 exit 73 East to Dorset Rd on left

Econo Lodge, 937/335-0013,1210 Brukner, 1-75 exit 73 East to Archer Dr turn right just before Waffle House

Best Value Motel, 937/339-1515,30 Troy Town Dr, 1-75 exit 74 West turn left on Troy Town Dr.

Holiday Inn Express, 937/332-1700,60 Troy Town Dr, 1-75 exit 74 West turn left on Troy Town Dr.

Residence Inn by Marriott, 937/440-9303, 87 Troy Town Dr, 1-75 exit 74 West turn left on Troy Town Dr.

Comfort Inn Piqua, 937/778-8100, 987 E Ash St., 1-75 exit 82 East, connected to mall next to Interstate

Travel Lodge Tipp City, 937/667-2481,1100 W Main, 1-75 Exit 68

Walter “Blackie” Collins, Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame© member, first managing editor of BLADE® Magazine and inventor of scores of knife, sheath and other related cutlery items, was killed in a motorcycle accident yesterday.

“It is with a heavy heart that I write to tell you that Blackie Collins passed away [July 20] around noon Eastern time,” Mike Manrose of Meyerco informed many in the knife industry yesterday via an e-mail. He said Blackie’s wife, Jane, was riding also but was not involved in the accident. “She has asked that we keep her in our prayers during this very difficult time,” Manrose noted. “We are very saddened at the loss of an industry icon, a prolific designer and most of all, a friend.”

For the past few years, Blackie had designed a number of knives for Meyerco.

Blackie was known for any number of different knives, knife materials and knife mechanisms, including the assisted opener, the first use of thermoplastic for knife handles (Gerber LST), the Bolt Action lock and much more. He also invented a number of sheath mechanisms for the diving knife industry.

 Details on services for Blackie were pending as of this writing.

Blackie had set up a profile here on Blademag.com only a week ago. If you’d like to pay your respects, click here to leave a message on his page.

Benchmade Knife Co. announced today that its founder and CEO, Les de Asis, will assume the duties of company president effective immediately.

The move is a result of the pending departure of Greg Mooney, who had been Benchmade’s president since January 2007. Mr. Mooney has taken the job of vice president and general manager of Benelli USA, which is based in Accokeek, Maryland.

“Since joining Benchmade in 1997, Greg has played a significant role in numerous parts of our company, from sales and marketing to operations and manufacturing management. He was responsible for hiring and developing an experienced management team that has led growth throughout our organization. We’re sad to see Greg go, but wish him success in his new role at Benelli,” said de Asis, who started Benchmade in Oregon in 1990. “We have achieved some impressive results for all of our brands over the past several years, which has been very satisfying given the challenges posed by a tough economy. While I will again be president of Benchmade, I will continue to be supported by a very strong management team that has been in place for several years. I only expect our company and brands to continue on their impressive growth path.”

In addition to the Benchmade branded product line, the company also designs, manufactures and markets Lone Wolf Knives, Harley-Davidson Knives and HK Knives. All Benchmade branded products are made in the USA.

In order to keep pace with the recent growth that Benchmade has experienced in both domestic and international markets, the company recently added over 30,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space at its headquarters outside Portland, Oregon. According to the Benchmade news release, the workforce at the factory and headquarters has also increased over 35 percent in the past three years. Significant staff and management have been added to engineering, finance and sales.

“The portfolio of brands that we’ve assembled is very strong and has helped our dealer partners succeed in a difficult retail environment. I have the utmost confidence in our management team and look forward to supporting their efforts to drive future growth and expansion,” commented de Asis.