The 8th Mid America Bladesmith Show was another great year, sorry to those who missed it. As Butch and Cindy Sheely's first year running the Hammer-in they did an amazing job putting everything together. As many of you know I took and passed the JS Performance test under the watchful eye of Kevin Cashen (thanks again,Kevin). Which made this hammer-in especially memorable to me. Not to mention winning the battle of the bladesmiths when I didnt even think I could finish a knife in the allotted 2hrs. Thanks to all who supported me, especially The Sheely's and all the demonstrators and many others who did a wonderful job to make this the best Mid America i've attended to date. Can't wait till next year.

Congratulations to Joel for passing the Journeyman performance test!!

Also, congratulations to Butch and Cindy for organizing a fine event!! Looks like everyone had a great time!

Yeah , but where are all the pictures lol? Hoping that a few more make it up just to whet our appetites. Oh and to Joel , Congratulations on earning your stamp. well done. Gotta say, you must have been sweating with Kevin watching as well as the rest of the gallery.

|quoted:

Yeah , but where are all the pictures lol? Hoping that a few more make it up just to whet our appetites. Oh and to Joel , Congratulations on earning your stamp. well done. Gotta say, you must have been sweating with Kevin watching as well as the rest of the gallery.

Thanks Paul, but I still have to present 5 knives in Atlanta to earn the JS stamp. AS for the sweating, you hit the nail on the head. Not only was the pressure high, but temp was pushing 90.

AHHHH yes the 5 presentation pieces, a bit of a duh moment there. Its a nice thing that your performance test is done and there is plenty of time until San Antonio or Blade for you to be able to finish up. Of course it will still come down to the last week won't it?

I just talked to Butch Sheely and next year's Mid America is set for August 23, 24, and 25, 2013 in Troy, Ohio. Please mark your calendar and plan on joining us!

|quoted:

AHHHH yes the 5 presentation pieces, a bit of a duh moment there. Its a nice thing that your performance test is done and there is plenty of time until San Antonio or Blade for you to be able to finish up. Of course it will still come down to the last week won't it?

I'm sure I'll still be working something at the last minute. My plan is to take at least 7 knives to Atlanta and pick the best 5 to present. I've got one done and a variety of blades forged for the rest so I'm hopeful that all will be done with time to spare.

I just uploaded 86 photos from the 2012 Mid America Hammer-In to Photo Bucket that I received today from Cindy Sheely. The photos were taken by Kevin Cashen, Cindy Sheely, and Russell Roosevelt. Thank you Kevin, Cindy, and Russell for taking the time to share your photos from the event.

To view the photos click this Photo Bucket link: http://photobucket.com/Mid-America2012

Looks like a good time for all. Really like the artillery on display , and the dinner looks well attended as well. Thanks for taking the time to post these photos Dan.