BUDDY THOMAS
Buddy Thomas became the first deaf contestant to grace the floor on Forged in Fire as well as the first deaf American Bladesmith Society Apprentice Smith. Buddy has been actively making knives for a decade now since 2012 and as a full time maker since 2019. He specializes in fixed blades but has made folding knives on occasion as well as swords.
Originally self taught using his years of metal fabrication and welding experience combined with the skillset he gained in the fiberglass and body repair industry (specifically on boats)that gave him the experience and focus for the detail of his craft.
Buddy used this skillset in conjunction with hours upon hours of video and educational materials. Through his earlier years of making knives he learned from several makers including ABS Mastersmith Ray Kirk. He shared his shop and forge with other smiths and developed his skills as well as sharing his own knowledge. He is actively working towards his journeyman smith goals with the American Bladesmith Society.
After his appearance on forged in fire he has done numerous interviews, demonstrations and public events. Over the last couple of years he has been transforming his current YouTube channel, The Deaf Bladesmith to the new and Improved Forged in Silence, soon to be seeing new and exciting content.
In recent years he have been taking more focus on improving his craft, upgrading his game... better damascus, nicer profiles, more unique designs, better fit and finish, tougher challenges. He is now teaching regular introductory classes as well as intermediate damascus making classes. He does about 4 to 5 shows a year when he is not working on custom orders or teaching classes. He has also expanded his craft into doing 100% of his leather work without any outsourcing.
Originally self taught using his years of metal fabrication and welding experience combined with the skillset he gained in the fiberglass and body repair industry (specifically on boats)that gave him the experience and focus for the detail of his craft.
Buddy used this skillset in conjunction with hours upon hours of video and educational materials. Through his earlier years of making knives he learned from several makers including ABS Mastersmith Ray Kirk. He shared his shop and forge with other smiths and developed his skills as well as sharing his own knowledge. He is actively working towards his journeyman smith goals with the American Bladesmith Society.
After his appearance on forged in fire he has done numerous interviews, demonstrations and public events. Over the last couple of years he has been transforming his current YouTube channel, The Deaf Bladesmith to the new and Improved Forged in Silence, soon to be seeing new and exciting content.
In recent years he have been taking more focus on improving his craft, upgrading his game... better damascus, nicer profiles, more unique designs, better fit and finish, tougher challenges. He is now teaching regular introductory classes as well as intermediate damascus making classes. He does about 4 to 5 shows a year when he is not working on custom orders or teaching classes. He has also expanded his craft into doing 100% of his leather work without any outsourcing.
