This is a message with updated information from ABS Coordinator Michael Vagnino and a flyer and map for the event.

Hi All,

Well, we are about 7 weeks away from the Hammer-in and it’s all starting to come together. Attached is a PDF flyer with the usual info and a list of hotels. Don’t forget, this year’s venue has moved to Tulare!

First, I want to let you know that I tried toblock out some rooms in Tulare but, come to find out, there is a motor race scheduled for the same weekend and a lot of the rooms are already taken. So, ifyou are wanting to stay in Tulare I suggest that you book your room as soon as possible!!!!!! There will be more rooms available in Visalia and it’s just a quick trip down the highway.

Second, there will not be an Aristotle forge building mini class this year.

Third, please remember to bring your auction items. We really appreciate the effort you all put into that.

Fourth, the COS Ag/Equestrian Club will be selling lunch on Friday and Saturday. Please plan to buy your lunch from them as it helps to keep a good relationship with COS. COS provides this facility for our use at no cost.

Hope to see you all in October! In the meanwhile if you have any questions please feel free to call.

PS. I’ve sent out a notice to you all already,but want to remind you that my new email is [email protected]

Please update your contact for me.

Thanks,

Michael Vagnino

mvknives.com

559-827-7802

Visalia,CA

I'm going just to have a word with this Cashin guy about doing my talk <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /> All kidding aside, I got some new ideas to add to my dagger talk during the last dagger class I taught in Maine in August, I will be working on my presentation a bit in the next few weeks in the few times I get home but I hope to have the same popular talk with a few fresh additions. The Dagger lectures and classes have exceed my expectations in my intended goals. I am seeing many more daggers that are true to the authentic tradition and designs that show me folks are thinking about this knife as the serious bit of blade history that it is and not just a whimsical art piece.

Hi everyone. I am looking forward to seeing all of you again. In addition to the great demos that Kevin and Rick are going to give I will be doing the Aristotle furnace again this year. I have a small modification to add this year that should help with growing the bloom bigger and also in removing the bloom after shut down. We had a good time last year an this year should be better.

If any of you would like to play with making your own steel but don't want the hassle of building a large gingery type furnace or chopping charcoal for two or three days to get enough for a good smelt then this is the class for you. I am going to show how to build a small furnace capable of creating enough steel for one knife or a large knife with several runs. Then every one in the class will build their own furnace and the next day we will all do a smelt. I'll try and post a picture of a knife I made from one run later this week.

Thanks everyone

Hi all, I'm glad to be asked again for a hamon demo this year.

I'm going to attempt to pull back on the reigns a bit this time and give a better idea of how to create a hamon on your knives.

I should be able to go over;

Steel selection for good hamon

I'll give some insight on different ways to create hamon

Readily available clays to use and what I look for in a clay.

How to bring out that thing you did with polishing and chemicals

There will be examples, and probably the re-appearance of the baby forge but probably not the sword quenching like last year, unless there's some public outcry!

Can't wait to see Tom, Bill, Mike and everyone. Oh and those two new guys, those east coasters I only get to see on T.V..

Dan

I spoke with Michael Vagnino today and the Aristotle Forge Mini Class has been cancelled. Master Smith Bill Burke will not able to attend because of a death in his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill and his family at this time.

The 2014 California Hammer-In started today at a new facility in Tulare, CA. The facility is well equipped and huge. Below are some photos from the first day of demonstrations:

Saturday was another busy day with demonstrations, a well attended knife show, and a great auction. Below are some photos:

Steve Koster did a Damascus demonstration

Kevin Cashen's Presentation on Daggers

Student's from the College prepared a great lunch for us each day

A great shop for a Hammer-In

The shop

The demonstrators at the Round Table discussion

Round Table discussion

Green coal was very busy!

Grinding during the Damascus demonstration.