[TheForge] The Sixteenth Annual Batson Bladesmithing Symposium & Knife Show

Sun Jan 18 11:07:01 2004

The Sixteenth Annual Batson Bladesmithing Symposium & Knife Show

Artisans will demonstrate their craft.  Hands-on Mini- Seminars will be
taught.

Participate in the CUTTING COMPETITION conducted by Jerry Fisk on Friday
night.

Bring a sharp knife with forged blade 10 inches or under & total length not
over 15  inches.

Handle must be pinned with a wrist thong for safety.

Bring examples of your work  for the KNIFE SHOW, COLLECTION EXHIBITS &
AUCTION.

The  Knife Show and Knife Collection Exhibits will be on the afternoon of
Saturday April 3, 2004

from 2  to 4:30 pm.

The KNIFE AUCTION will begin immediately after the KNIFE SHOW.

Collectors and knife enthusiasts are encouraged to attend the Symposium and

learn first hand how modern knives are forged and  made.

Participate in the Railroad Spike Knife Contest.  Bring a unique railroad
spike knife.

ABOUT THE DEMONSTRATORS

MARY BAILEY, Nashville, TN.  Mary  is an outstanding scrimshander and
teacher.  Her work can be              seen on the best of knives. Learn to
scrimshaw a pendant.

BILLY BATES, Decatur, AL.  Billy does exquisite engraving with graver and
hammer.

HARRY BROCK & GLYNN HOLMES, These AFC members will demonstrate and aid you
in making a Railroad Spike Knife for the judging.

JAMES CROWELL, Mountain View, AR.  This Master will forge & grind blades,
divulge  factors that affect performance, blade design, knife design &
cutting.

ALEX DANIELS, Town Creek, AL. Alex will demonstrate escutcheon inlay and
give you the how to on silver casting knife fittings.

JERRY FISK,  Locksburg, AR. This Master Bladesmith has been devising cutting
tests for years, so be

prepared and bring your favorite camp or Bowie knife for the cutting
contest.

KEN DURHAM, Cherokee, AL. Ken is a master at developing simple jigs &
fixtures. He will demo pique and other ornamentation methods.

DON FOGG, Jasper, AL.  This full time master has forged blades for over 30
years. He will excite you with his unique style of demonstrating the forged
blade.

JESSE  HOUSER, Star, NC. Jesse is an excellent

engraver and teacher. He will cover gold wire inlay & help you make
engraving  tools.

WALLY HOSTETTER, SAN MATEO, FL.. Walley will introduce you to the beauty of
ornamental Japanese sword fittings.

BILLY RAY HUGHES, Texarkana, TX.  B. R. Hughes - a 1993 Cutlery  Hall of
Fame inductee &  a  founder of the American Bladesmith Society has been
judging

knives for the ABS Journeyman and Master stamps from the beginning. He also
is an expert on selling yourself and your knives.

DAN JOHNSON,  NY.  Dan is a sales representative of the Stephen Bader Co.,
the maker of knife grinding equipment.  He can solve your grinding problems.

JOSEPH KEESLAR,  Almo, KY.   This Master Bladesmith & gentleman will
demonstrate blade and tomahawk  forging for Buckskinners.  He will show you
how to without the aide of power tools.  He will also demo filework and wire
inlay.

MELVIN PARDUE, Repton, AL.  Melvin is the Vice President of the Knifemakers
Guild and designs production knives.  He is known for his fine folders and
his willingness to improve and perpetuate the craft.

CHUCK PATRICK, Brasstown, NC.  Chuck is truly a master with the hammer and
anvil.  Chuck will show you  the intricacies of blade forging.

LLOYD "PETE" PETERSON, Clinton, AR. This gentleman will take you through the
making of the slip joint and lockback folders.

LEE  REEVES, Shattuck, OK. Lee makes a fantastic hand axe single or double
bit.  He makes it look easy.

KENNY ROWE, Hope, AR.  Kenny  is a fine leather crafter and maker of good
durable  knife sheaths.

COLONEL TIM RYAN, Brasstown, NC.  Tim will entertain you while you fund the
AFC new Pavilion.

STEVE SCHWARZER, Pomona Park, FL. Steve  will demonstrate the manipulating
and forging of steel into Damascus for which he is a Master.

JOSEPH SZILASKI, Wappingers Falls, NY.  This master Old World trained
blacksmith will teach us a lot about forging.  Joe will demo his handle
carving and artistic skills

TOM STERNS, Tuscaloosa, AL. Tom is one of the original Alabama Forge Council
Members. You will enjoy his  period type sheaths &  old tools.

MARK ZALESKY, Knoxville, TN. The editor of Knife World and Bowie knife
expert will introduce you to the finest made Antique Bowie Knives.

AGENDA

Thursday, April 1, 2004

1 to 9 pm...................................................Check-in

5 to 7 pm..............................Demonstrators Dinner

Friday, April 2, 2004

7-8 am.......................................................Check-in

8-12 noon.......................................Demonstrations

Lunch

1-5 pm......................................Hands-on Seminars

7-9 pm......................................Cutting Competition

Saturday, April 3, 2004

7-8 am.......................................................Check-in

8-12 noon.......................................Demonstrations

Lunch

1-2 pm............................................Demonstrations

2-4:30 pm.........Knife Show & Collectors Exhibition

4:30-7 pm....................................................Auction

Sunday, April 4, 2004

8-12 noon.......................................Demonstrations

Departure

TANNEHILL IRONWORKS

An Alabama State Historical Park consists of an Iron & Steel Museum,
Tannehill Furnaces, Craft Cabins, 195 improved campsites, Gristmill, cotton
gin , 45 historical buildings, etc-

DIRECTIONS

Tannehill Ironworks is located at McCalla, Alabama about 11 miles west of
Bessemer.  From I-59 & I-20, take exit 100 and follow signs to Tannehill
(about 2 miles).  From I-459 take exit 1 and follow signs (about 7 miles).
http:www.tannehill.org

BY AIR

Fly into the Birmingham Jetport which is located 40 miles from Tannehill.
Transportation can be provided,. Request in advance from Judd Clem
(256/232-2645).

.

BE AWARE!

No Alcoholic Beverages are allowed

at Tannehill Ironworks

PRE-REGISTRATION  &  ENTRANCE FEE

The Symposium fee is $125.00 per person.  Please pre-register.  Send  your
name, address, phone number along with a check or money order made out to
Alabama Forge Council to Judd Clem, 111 Yorkshire Dr, Athens, AL 35613
(256/232-2645), [email protected].

Master Card & VISA are accepted. Send or call in your name, address, phone
number, card number, expiration date and name on card. Email:
[email protected].

The entrance fee to Tannehill, a Historical State Park, is included.  The
knife show is free to the public.  Your knife show  table exhibit fee is
included in the registration fee.  Everyone is encouraged to show & sell
their knives.

LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS

FOOD

A snack bar,  Sweet Shoppe & Country Store are in Tannehill.

CAMPING

Camping is available at Tannehill Ironworks near the Demonstration Area  on
Mill Creek.  Improved (water & electricity)  &  Primitive camping. For
reservations call 205/477-5711.   Check in at Country store.

MOTELS

There are  many motels & restaurants off I-459  and I-20/59 toward Bessemer
and Birmingham.

Sleep Inn, 205/424-0000, $53+tax for two double beds, 1259 Greenmor Drive @
Ala-52 at exit 6 off I- 459 about 15 miles from Tannehill. Demonstrator's
Motel.

Hampton Inn, 205/425-2010, $59+tax for two double beds, 4910 Civic Lane @
exit 108 off I-20/59 about 11 miles from Tannehill.

Best Western, 205/481-1950, $66+tax for two double beds, 5041 Academy Lane @
exit 108 off I-20/59 about 11 miles from Tannehill.

Jameson Inns, 205/428-3194, $65+tax for two double beds, 5021 Academy Lane @
exit 108 off I-20/59 about 11 miles from Tannehill.

AUCTION

The Alabama Forge Council is a non-profit organization with over 600
members.  The Forge Council gives more than thirteen scholarships a year to
deserving Blacksmiths. The Clarence Kilby Scholarship is funded from this
auction.

         Mike Linn
     Artist Blacksmith
         Lake View, AL
      AFC Webmaster
  www.afc.abana-chapter.net

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