ABS school...what to bring...???

[happycat]

I am heading for the intro to bladesmithing class at the ABS school next week. I'll be taking my usual safety gear along, but am wondering if anyone has any suggestions about other stuff to bring. You folks that have been through the school, was there something that you were saying "Damm I wish I had thought to bring..........."
Any suggestiions would be welcome. I want to get as much out of this as I can.
Thanks,
Ed
PS I just ordered my first tang stamp which should arrive just before I leave for the school....God willing and the creek don't rise....

 

[BRTATCK]

Hello Ed, take a sweatband or something to keep the sweat out of your eyes. Also you might want to take something like aspirin or ibuprofen. If you havent done a lot of forging your arms will be sore for a couple of days along with other muscle areas. Also make sure you r gloves fit well and do not rub blisters. We had about 2/3rds of our class come up with blisters from ill fitting gloves. Thats about all I can think of at the moment. OH one more thing, be prepared to have a good time.

 

[simmonsk]

Hi Ed,
I was told to bring bottled water, and most importantly a fan that has a built in stand and extension cord. Along that line a bandana to cool your neck. I usually forget mine.
There is an old thread on here somewhere that talks about the school and what to bring.
The usual safety stuff, etc. They also said if you have any knives/designs you want to show/critiqued to bring them along.
See you later, Ken
PS: If you are flying in, I am sure there is a Walmart or some such thing in the area where you can get things.

 

[BRTATCK]

Yes, there is a wal mart right on the highway up to Old Washington from Hope. There are two big shop fans in the forge area, but it does get pretty warm so a cool rag would definitely be a help as Simmonsk stated. Enjoy yourself

 

[C L Wilkins]

You guys have one heck of an instructor in Bruce Fuller. He is a mentor and a friend. Get him to forge a blade for you and watch him closely.

About two months ago he showed me the easiest way to get the bow out of the spine when you let it get away from you. I cussed him.

C Wilkins