Spring Piney Woods Hammer-In
The Spring Piney Woods Hammer-in, scheduled for April 26 and 27, 2014 at the W. F. Moran School of Bladesmithing in Washington, Arkansas, is an event that every bladesmith, from the rankest beginner to the experienced Master Smith, should mark on their calendar.
For one thing, the timing is just right for those smiths planning to test for either a JS or an MS at Atlanta in June to bring their test knives and have an experienced judge look them over and critique them. Everyone of the demonstrators for this hammer-in is an experienced judge who has served on a review panel at either San Antonio or Atlanta within the recent past.
For another, there will be some new offerings at the Moran School in April. For example, MS James Ray Cook will teach a section on carving handles; MS Mike Williams will instruct a session on Jigs and Fixtures; MS James Crowell will do a Grinding and Polishing Class, and no one does this better than James; Master Smith Timothy Potier will show students how to forge a hatchet; and MS Bert Gaston will present a lecture on heat treating. Kenny Rowe will be will demonstrating techniques for making a sheath and Master Smith Roger Massey is back by popular demand to do a demonstration on how to build a folding knife.
There will also be sessions on Basic Forging, Handles and Guards, Damascus Steel, ABS Judging Standards, etc.
This is going to be one of the really good ones, so make plans now to attend!
B. R. Hughes, Director
Piney Woods Hammer-In
Demonstrators:
J. R. Cook, Master Smith - Arkansas - Carving Knife Handles
Jim Crowell, Master Smith - Arkansas - Grinding and Polishing
Mike Williams, Master Smith - Oklahoma - Jigs and Fixtures
BR Hughes, Founder - Texas - ABS Judging Standards
Timothy Potier, Master Smith - Louisiana - Handles and Guards
Bert Gaston, Master Smith - Arkansas - Heat Treating
Roger Massey, Master Smith - Arkansas - Folding Knives
Kenny Rowe - Arkansas - Leather Sheaths
You can register for this hammer-in Online on the ABS Website at Event Registration.
The below ABS YouTube Channel video was filmed at last year's Piney Woods Hammer-In.
[media] http://youtube.com/watch?v=QT5c4-kGp-M [/media]
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
Send an email to Dan
Looks like a good lineup and great demonstrations. I will be there for sure. I will also second Dan in that if you are planning to test for JS or MS in Atlanta this is a great opportunity to have your knives critiqued by a number of people, some of whom will be judging. This also gives you time to fix any issues. Definitely worth the trip.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Anyone want to catch dinner on Friday night, before the Hammer-in?
Supper;
Fri. night. Look around the best western for a bunch of guys with vacant stares; that's us. Could be quite a gaggle but you are welcome to join us.
Mike
Mike Williams
Master Smith
Vacant stares? Thats a good description Mike. See you Friday. Julious you are welcome to join in.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Sounds great. I will look for you guys. Is there a best time to expect to find some of you there?
Attended my first ABS Hammer-in this past weekend, 2/26-27/14, in Washington, Arkansas. It my first venture to the Old Washington State Park, which is a beautiful historic park. The history of knife making oozes from the walls here and makes for a perfect setting for knife makers to gather.
The Master Smith's in attendance were very approachable and friendly, with tons of knowledge, which they were willing to share both in and out of the classes.
Mr. Kenny Rowe, leather guru and super nice guy, was there and was a wealth of information for anyone interested in working in leather.
The attendees were all fine folks, very friendly and personable. Everyone I spoke to, treated me as though we had been friends for years.
Hats off to Mr. Hughes for putting on a great show and a big hand to Mrs. Hughes who I think worked more than anyone, and is a sweet heart to boot.
Had a great time, met lots of nice folks, made some new friends, gained a ton of knowledge.
Great to meet you Ed. It was a good weekend, and you are welcome. Will you be at the fall hammer in? If so I will bring a couple of pieces.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Brion,
Not sure at this point. I'll get back to you when it gets a little closer.
