Ashokan 2009, Day 2

[Chris Meyer]

Saturdays at Ashokan are always busy days, and 09-19-09 was no exception. We started with Kevin Cashen’s lecture on Knife Construction Techniques. Kevin brought a knife handle with a partial blade, so that he could show us how he fits the parts together. The fit so tightly that he needed to tap the parts with a wooden hammer to separate them.

Next, Tim Zowada gave a demonstration on forging. He forgot to bring his 600lb steam hammer, so he had to do it by hand. He seemed to enjoy it nonetheless.

Here are a couple of Tim’s forgings.

After Tim, Kenny Rowe gave a lecture/demo on leather working

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[Chris Meyer]

Kenny brought some sample of his work for us to look at.

(I’ll post a few additional photos on the Sheathmaking subforum.)​

After Kenny, Delbert Ealy gave a lecture on Damascus patterning. I got there late, so I wasn’t close enough to take pictures.

We had lunch, and then Roman Landes gave a lecture on Knife Edges and Steel. He wrote a book on the subject, Messerklingen und Stahl: Technologische Betrachtung von Messerschneiden, which apparently means “Knife blades and Steel: Technological consideration of knife edges”. In case you haven’t guessed, Roman is from Germany. It was a very interesting lecture.

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Back up at the Pavilion, Bill McGrath held a class entitled, “A short walk through a bad neighborhood” and showed how a seemingly innocuous walking stick could save your rear end in a pinch. Bill’s a nice guy, but you wouldn’t want to mess with him. He is the President and Chief Instructor for Pekiti-Tirsia International.

You can tell by the ruffians in the background that Bill truly was in a bad neighborhood.


Next, Jim Siska showed everyone how to hollow grind. He makes it look easy, and he doesn’t even need a work rest!

You can tell by the evil grin that Jim loves his work.

 

[Chris Meyer]

When Jim finished with the grinder, he joined Kevin, Kenny, Tim, and Delbert in telling us about The Business of Knifemaking. We got to ask lots of questions, but the guys still seemed to have a good time.

After dinner, Delbert gave a Damascus Forging Demo. He was assisted by Sam and Deker.

Kevin then gave us a Heat Treating Demo. I love Kevin’s demos and lectures, because he gets so animated.

 

[Chris Meyer]

After Kevin’s demo, it was time for “Open Forge” again.

This cuddly looking guy is none other than our New Jersey Steel Baron, Aldo Bruno.

That was about all for Saturday’s events. But I’ll add a few more photos that I took that day, just to round out this post.

This is the Ashokan Blacksmith’s Shop. We didn’t use it during our visit, but I took some picture inside and out anyway.

Here we have Mace’s bane, the dreaded Wiggly Bridge.

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[Chris Meyer]

I still have a few left...​

William Vanheteren holding a blade that Jim Siska was working on. I don’t know if William in on the forum or not, but I thought the picture came out well.

This is Kevin “Sherlock Holmes” Cashen digesting Delbert’s lecture.

Tim Zowada manning the video camera for Jim Siska’s demo.

Kevin blowing smoke.

It appeared that Roman couldn’t handle the American beer…

This is Kenny chatting with Steven ?, Dan Pierson, Andy Porter, and Gary Graley.

This is Roman's personal kitchen knife. I believe he said the steel was at Rockwell 72.

 

[Dan Pierson]

You've got some really good character in those shots Chris. Good work!

 

[Sam Salvati]

Chris, I don't think Kevin's bald spot was really THAT bad That was a cold thing to do to focus the flash on it all the time like that

 

[okzj]

Chris, I don't think Kevin's bald spot was really THAT bad That was a cold thing to do to focus the flash on it all the time like that

Not a bald spot. It's a halo.

 

[Mace]

Thanks for the pics Chris. It makes not being there a little less bitter.:thumbup:
I don't know what your talking about....I love that bridge!
Mace

 

[deker]

What you all fail to realize is that this is a very rare shot indeed. This is what Kevin looks like JUST before he smites down one of those guys quenching in rancid chicken fry oil while facing north on a full moon while a wolf is howling. For all of you video game fans, this is the first stage of a metallurgical "Hadouken"...

-d

 

[v-6]

Thanks for the updates for those of us that can't go.
Aldo Bruno has a twin here in Iowa,man i did not know there could be two people that looked like them, wow but there is, i'm sorry to say. (grin) joking of course.
vern

 

[hardheart]

Did Roman Landes mention anything about an English translation of his book, been waiting for that for a couple years. Also, how do we get videos of the lectures?

 

[anvilarms]

great shots chris. unfortunately i was unable to make it. I do hope you have videos!!!!!!!!!
keith

 

[Matthew Gregory]

How I missed this thread is completely beyond me. I stumbled across it today doing a search for some of Mr. Rowe's work. I'm so glad I found it - great pics, Chris. I really missed being there. I'll be there for sure, this year!

... guess that male-pattern baldness is really gettin' nasty, eh Kev? You ought to talk to Tim about getting one of those 150 gallon hats like he's got.

 

[Tait]

OK,

Since this thread got resurrected anyway,

This is Roman's personal kitchen knife. I believe he said the steel was at Rockwell 72.

What sort of steel gets one to a RC of 72?

 

[Sam Salvati]

Roman uses some special tungsten alloyed tool steels I beleive.

 

[Chris Meyer]

Matt, did you at least catch the post on Day 1 at Ashokan 2009?

 

[Matthew Gregory]

Nope. I didn't. This series of photos was well worth resurrecting! Thanks, Chris!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Go ahead....make me feel bad all over again.
Stacy