ABS Test Knives The ABS (American Bladesmith Society) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the art of the forged blade. They have three levels of competency for knife makers: Apprentice, Journeyman and Master Smith.
     The Journeyman and Mastersmith ratings both require passing a performance test and judging panel. The performance test consists of 4 elements.​
  1. Rope cutting: tests the edge geometry and sharpness.
  2. Wood chopping: demonstrates edge toughness.
  3. Shaving hair: demonstrates edge retention.
  4. Bending: tests the applicant's ability to heat treat a knife with a soft back and a hard edge.
     Once the performance test has been passed, the maker must then submit 5 knives to the judging panel.
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My Mastersmith Test Knives passed my performance test with mastersmith Ed Caffrey in 2005.
​     The following 5 knives passed the judging panel's critique at the 2006 Blade Show. I was also honored with the B.R. Hughes Award, given for the best knife submitted by a mastersmith applicant.