Tuesday October 23 I passed my American Bladesmith Society Performance testing for advancement to journeyman smith ranking.
it was overseen by ABS Master Smith Howard Clark at his forge.
The test requires the applicant to create a hand forged and heat treated knife no larger than 15” x 2”. The applicant must cut through a free hanging loose 1” sisal rope in one stroke, chop through two construction grade pine 2x4 studs with no damage to the blade at all. Then still be able to shave arm hair.
After that the blade is put into a vise and bent to 90 degrees without breaking or cracking.
below is the blade that passed.

Next step is to create 5 presentation blades demonstrating excellent fit, finish and design to a panel of Master Bladesmiths