About Us
Patrick's love for hand-forged knives started long before knives were even being made in this forge.
As a Certified Journeyman Farrier, Patrick fell in love with general forging early in his career, which began in 2005. He competed in many horseshoe forging competitions, which helped strengthen his knowledge and skills of forge welding. Forge welding is a critical component in making damascus, this skill set has allowed Patrick to create all of his own beautiful billets right here in the shop. One day Patrick thought it would be fun to try making a knife. He dabbled with knives on and off for a few years, never more than just for fun. What started as a small hobby soon escalated into a full-time passion that has been ongoing since 2019.
As an ABS Apprentice, Patrick is passionate about every single blade being hand forged. From steel to handles to sheaths, only the highest quality of material is selected. We believe each blade should be beautiful and functional, something worthy of passing down from generation to generation. After blades have been forged to shape, an even heat (bladesmith) oven is used to accurately set heat and time for proper annealing, hardening, and tempering. This forge tool is essential for consistent heat treatments for all types of steel, producing a properly hardened blade.
Patrick is adamant about constantly learning and growing in this trade. He has an extensive library, has attended and continues to attend seminars and clinics, and continues to work and learn from other Bladesmiths.
Patrick Smith, ABS Apprentice Bladesmith
Jennifer Smith, Leatherworker, Gear, Marketing
As Patrick began to forge more and more knives, there became a demand for sheaths to go with them. Around 2020, Jennifer took on the task of learning leatherwork. Through trial and error, books, YouTube videos, and clinics, Jennifer has learned how to make a variety of sheath styles that are not only functional, but also attractive.
Quality Veg tanned leather, in a 7-9oz, is selected for durability and tooling capabilities for our sheaths. On occasion, some knives can be purchased with a sheath already made, while all others can have a sheath personalized to their liking.