Looking forward to this!

This is the flyer for the California Hammer-In:

Please pre-register for this event which will make check-in easier and quicker.

On registration is available on the ABS Website at, Click: California Hammer-In Registration

This is a California Hammer-In update from Michael Vagnino:

Hi all, Just sending an update/reminder ... It’s not too early to get registered! The cost for the 3-days will be the same as last year: $65 pre-registered or $75 at the door. You can pre-register for the Hammer-in online at www.americanbladesmith.com or contact Cindy Sheely, ABS Office Manager at [email protected] or 419-832-0400. Pre-registration ends on October 14.

We will be at the same facility as last year in Tulare, and again, have a great line-up of demonstrators.

Dates: Friday-Oct 24 thru Sunday-Oct 26

Location: COS Tulare College Center, 4999 East Bardsley Avenue, Tulare, California

We have a block of rooms at two different hotels. As it turns out, there is another big group coming in that weekend, so don’t put off booking a room.

Attached in the post above by Dan Cassidy is a JPEG flyer with event info, map and a list of the hotels.

We are planning to have dinner Saturday night at the same Italian restaurant in Tulare as last year. The food is good and prices reasonable. If you are interested in joining us, please email me at [email protected] as they need a head count.

The COS Ag/Equestrian Club will be selling lunches on Friday and Saturday. It’s a fundraiser for them, so please plan on eating there at the event. COS provides the use of their facility to us at no charge, another good reason to support their students.

Please remember to bring your auction items to help the show go on! Always appreciate the efforts everyone puts into the auction.

Feel free to pass this on to anyone you think might be interested!

Here’s the line-up:

Featured Demonstrator: Jason Knight, MS – North Carolina

Demonstration: Bowie Fighter

Jason will be taking you through the steps of making a Bowie Fighter from start to finish, including design, forging the blade, fitting the guard, etc.

I’m sure most of you are familiar with Jason’s work, but if not, Google his name and you will find photos of his work and videos of Jason at work. Jason is a true craftsman of the forged blade. His knives are flawless in their construction and his designs are always clean, well thought out, and will bear out to be timeless.

Demonstrator: Jon Christensen, MS - Montana

Demonstration: Carving Handles

https://www.facebook...211272725625131

http://www.jonchrist....com/index.html

Jon’s sense of design is quite unique and very beautiful. Check out his Facebook page and website for examples of his carved handles and sheaths. Some of the photos he has posted show the process/progression.

Demonstrator: Eric Fleming - California

Demonstration: Building Forge Controls

I have seen videos of this demo and Eric does an outstanding job conveying how simple building gas controls for the forge really is.

Demonstrator: Steve Koster, JS - California

Demonstration: Tip and Throat Sheath

Steve will be showing the process he uses to make a Tip and Throat Sheath. Most of you have seen Steve’s work and know his attention to detail, but if you aren’t familiar with Steve’s knives, check out this award winner from the ABS Knife Expo (where you know he had some stiff competition): http://www.americanb...even-koster-js/

Demonstrator: David Mirabile, JS - Alaska

Demonstration: Green Coal

Dave is our Alaska cohort and will be back for Green Coal. For those of you who don’t know what Green Coal is, it’s a hands-on area to learn how to forge a blade. Dave will be there to teach forging techniques. If you would like to participate, be sure to bring proper safety equipment such as gloves, ear protectors and safety glasses. David always makes pounding on steel a fun and educational experience.

Demonstrator: John Powers - California

Demonstration: Knife Sharpening

http://johnsharperedge.wix.com/backup

John is a professional sharpener in the LA area. He started his knife sharpening business, Sharper Edge, in 2006. I think it’s always a good idea to see one more way of doing the same task, especially from someone who does it every day. I’m looking forward to this demo.

Demonstrator: Bill Stuart - California

Mini-class: Mokume

Bill did a Mokume demo last year. For those of you who would like to make your own, Bill will be holding a mini-class. The class will be limited to 4 participants and the cost is $60 which includes materials. We're estimating 4-6 hours depending on the skill level of the students and we'll probably break it up into 2 sessions. If you have an interest in participating in the mini-class, please let us know now, as it will be first-come, first-serve.

Knife show:

Tom Ferry, Ray Laconico and I will be putting our energy into growing the Saturday knife show, so plan on bringing your best work to show off.

Hope to see you in October!

Michael

559 827 7802