Home The Craft Steel & Heat Treating Performance Testing Available Events Contact

I exhibit at a few shows and demonstrate at a few hammer-ins each year. Since I am a full-time maker, I have to be selective about the events I attend, as they do take away from time in the shop. That means that I only attend events that are really first rate. If you've never been to a knife show or seen live demonstrations, I strongly suggest that you give it a whirl. It's a lot of fun!

2007

Ashokan Bladesmithing Seminar September 14-16, 2007, Ashokan, New York

This is one of the oldest, if not the oldest bladesmithing seminars in the country. The location's beautiful, and the food is great. For more info, go to http://www.cashenblades.com/Ashokan.html

Afterwards... 2007 was my first year at Ashokan, and I can say that after being at a lot of hammer-ins, that this is the Mecca of bladesmithing events! Make your pilgrimage! The two main differences I found are that first, there is an extremely high quality of the instruction coupled with an above average "bladesmithing I.Q" You can learn something from every person attending no matter how long you've been at this because so many knowledgeable people attend. The second main difference, perhaps more significant than the first is that you spend two nights and nearly three days living with everyone there. You eat in the mess hall (food's fantastic!), you sleep in the bunkhouse (if you're daring) and by the end of the weekend, you don't know things, you know people. Big difference!

Bowie's Hammer-in October 5-7, 2007 2918 Ellistown Rd., Knoxville Tennessee, 37924

Ron Claiborne has been hosting this hammer-in for quite some time now, and it is always a really great time. There are a lot of first rate demonstrators, and it is a very laid-back environment. Ron does not charge admission, but asks that each attendee bring an item for the "iron-in-the-hat." This is an informal raffle that helps defray the costs of putting on the event, and it gives everyone a chance to win some neat stuff. I won an antique Rockwell hardness tester a few years ago!

For more info, call Ron at 865-660-1569

2008

ABS Knife Exposition January 25-26, 2008 Silver Legacy Hotel and Casino, Reno, Nevada

The permier all-forged blade show in the world. That's all that really needs to be said. It is a boutique-type show where all the makers are accessible, and if you want to look at every knife from every maker, you will be able to. The show is featuring a new format this year that will allow several hours of viewing before the buying frenzy begins. That way, you will be able to see the pieces you want and talk to the makers you want, to be sure you go home with the knives you want the most.

for more information, visit www.absknifeexpo.com

Blade Show May 30-June 1, 2008 Cobb Galleria and Convention Center, Atlanta Georgia

Yep, this is the biggie. This show is so big, you've got to see it to believe it. If it has an edge, it'll be at this show. This is a great weekend, and you'll go home exhausted, but with lots of great stuff. For more info, go to http://blademag.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2082

Don't forget good shoes and Gatorade. Oh yeah, bring money....