Ashokan 2015

Gary W. Graley

Gary W. Graley

“Imagination is more important than knowledge"
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Mar 2, 1999
Messages
28,105
Hi folks, hard to believe fall is just around the corner, although it's been a pretty cool summer here in NE Pennsylvania this year!

Here's a Link to the info for this years Bladesmith seminar at Ashokan

A listing of the demo's and lectures;

Centrifugal Casting Techniques

Blade Forging

Damascus Construction Damascus Welding

Blade Grinding and Finishing

Engraving Tools and Supplies

Basic Engraving Techniques

Heat Treatment

Knife Photography

Blade surface patterns

Always a great weekend deep in the wood there, hope to see some of you guys and gals show up. This year I will be giving a lecture on knife photography, some tips and hints on setting up with out giving up a lot of money too.

And there will be a LOT of interesting lectures, demo's as well as open forges for banging away at that hot metal...

G2

Edited to add;

And a few links to some past years photos, I missed last year due to a broken ankle :(

Ashokan 2010

Ashokan 2013

Ashokan 2011

Ashokan 2009
Ashokan 2009 additional

Ashokan 2008
 
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Yes, the sword year had to be postponed till 2016. This year will be a regular knife year.
 
That's right Stacy, a problem with scheduling made it unfortunate that they need to move it out a year.

Looking forward to seeing you there this year!
G2
 
Don and I will be coming. So will Dave Catoe. We hope Don's nephew will come, too. He is a very promising budding maker.

Since the last couple years Saturday dinner was BBQ, we are bringing a different snack for the late night snacks and cigars down at the pavilion. I think it will be a big hit.
 
I'll be there! Ashokan is stop #3 of my non-stop september of smithing. Start with the New England Blacksmiths fall meet, drive from there to the New England School of Metalwork for a week long class in sword smithing, and from there down to ashokan ! =)
 
I'll be missing it again this year because my niece will be in town just that weekend for
another math contest at MIT. I really hope to get there next year!
 
It'll be great to see you again Justin and sorry I'll miss you Dan, I missed last year due to a broken ankle, walking better, no cane, but still walking slow and with a slight hitch in my step, not quite as much as Festus on Gunsmoke, but close ;)

G2
 
My wife and I are going to try and make it, gotta raise some funds :) What is the lodging like? Anywhere to camp nearby?
 
You can camp several places on the campus. Several folks pitch tents right next to the lodges. Some camp down on the field by the forging pavilion.
 
From what I gather reading the link,I take it the seminars will be held Friday & Saturday with the knife show on Sunday? The seminars are what I would be interested in as I have an obligation Sunday.Any nearby hotels off campus? I guess I could just call.Also are hobbyist welcome or is this function the type where everyone knows one another(I will know no one) Thanks Lu.
 
G2 I'll loan ya some spurs... then ya could have the Festus thing all perfect.
 
Lu1967 said:
From what I gather reading the link,I take it the seminars will be held Friday & Saturday with the knife show on Sunday? The seminars are what I would be interested in as I have an obligation Sunday.Any nearby hotels off campus? I guess I could just call.Also are hobbyist welcome or is this function the type where everyone knows one another(I will know no one) Thanks Lu.
Click to expand...

While everyone is welcome, the seminars and discussions are on the more advanced level. There is a basic forging class, and usually a HT class, but many others are on metallurgy or more advanced knifemaking techniques. And, yes, most folks there know each other by now, but we all were there a first time.
The registration link has the various fees, depending on when you are there and if you stay there ( highly recommended).
 
tiguy7 said:
I think it was Chester who had the limp.
Click to expand...

Absolutely right sir! I had that wrong for a long time :)

And Lu, you will be more than welcome there, check out some of the previous years photos in the links above.

And Dave, that's a good idea on the spurs, but knowing me, I'll squat when I shouldn't !
G2
 
Gary there are certain self corrective behaviors one learns while doing so but in general the whole hazzard of that situation is exaggerated. See what happens at our place when you miss your roping shot on that calf that needs doctorin' and the wife doesn't? You have to get down and practice squatting with your spurs on why you give the shots.

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You know with years of experience one learns. You can't practice too much shop safety. I believe this one is within all OSHA approved guidelines. Festus was certainly the one who went jingle jingle jingle as he walked down the street.

DujyXqx.jpg
 
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We could make Saturday "cowboy" day this year at Ashokan. Hats, boots, vests, jeans with the ass wore slick, big belt buckles, neck bandanas, spurs, chaps - any and all of that. Anybody up for joining in?

Off topic:
I never roped ( beyond doing it for fun at a wheel barrel), but in my teens I occasionally brought the cows back to the barn while on horseback....so technically, I qualify as a cowboy. After visiting Montana in the mid 60's, my dream was to move to Montana and ranch. Dreams don't die, they just change. I would still move to Montana if I won the lottery. I would also have some place warm to go the other seven months of the year.
 
Thanks Dave! always a trick with about everything :) And Stacy that might work well, Cowboy up!
G2
 
Here's a shot taken at one of the open forges there on campus;

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G2
 

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