Ashokan Blade Seminar

Matthew Gregory

Chief Executive in charge of Entertainment
Joined
Jan 12, 2005
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I’ve been asked to demonstrate at the 43rd Annual Ashokan Blade Seminar 2024, happening on October 4-6 this year.

Nearly 20 years ago, as a VERY new knifemaker, I attended this event and it was one of the most pivotal moments in my life. Not only was I given a chance to see my knifemaking heroes demonstrate their techniques, but I got to know many of them, and some have become lifelong friends. Those interactions changed my perspective on a lot of things, dispelled a lot of myths, and propelled me on the path I’m still pursuing.

The presenters I’ll be among this year are Tim Zowada, Herb Kettell, Dan Maragni, Zeb Deming, David Barnhill, Burt Foster, and Kevin Cashen. Each one of them is slated to do an incredible demo.

My presentation will be on some of my favorite handle materials, specifically focusing on aerospace materials such as carbon fiber, foam core products such as Rohacell and Divinycell, epoxies and other adhesives, as well as best practices. I will also be doing a grinding demonstration explaining my thoughts on machines, abrasive media, and technique.

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From the official announcement:

The New England Bladesmiths Guild’s seminar at Ashokan is one of the oldest and most prestigious hammer-ins in America. You will learn history, design concepts, metallurgy, forging and finishing techniques, and heat treatment. This is a multi-level workshop for beginners and experienced craftsmen alike, with both forging demonstrations by world renowned craftsmen and hands-on forging opportunities. Equipment, steel, and coal will be provided and available for sale to begin your own home workshop!

This is a dual meet with the Northeast Blacksmiths Association, so more fun with more blacksmiths!



Here’s a link to the official announcement page, which will provide information and also a link to registration.
 
If I could make it, I would go... reading Matthew's posts before I joined was one of the reasons I signed up for this forum and as such, was able to learn enough to up my game significantly. Have fun all.
 
Wow, what a line up!

It’s a genuinely humbling and intimidating experience to be demonstrating with so many of my knifemaking heroes. Difficult to get out from under the shadows these men have cast.


With Mat demonstrating, I'm changing plans and am going to try to attend now.

I’m making sure to bring my camera this time, so hopefully I’ll manage to get some great shots of people and their work.

If I could make it, I would go... reading Matthew's posts before I joined was one of the reasons I signed up for this forum and as such, was able to learn enough to up my game significantly. Have fun all.

Thanks for the kind words. ☺️
 
This will be my 3rd year attending and I am looking forward to all the demos, but I was particularly interested in your handle and grinding discussions. It's cool to get a preview of the materials you'll be talking about. It's always fun to learn a skill or technique that I might have thought of.
 
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