Battle of the Bladesmiths

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wiggins

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Feb 1, 2003
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Just wanted to fill everyone in on a new event we will be having at the Great Smoky Hammerin March 5-7 at Haywood College in North Carolina. We are calling it the Battle of the Bladesmiths. It was "kinda" patterned after Iron Chef. Jason Knight, one of the main demonstrators at the hammerin, is the Iron Bladesmith. He has been challenged by Burt Foster. So far, Burt has been the only one to challenge Jason.

Each contestant will be furnished their own forge, anvil, grinder and belts. A drill press and quench oil will also be available to them. Other than that, any other tools they use will have to be carried into the arena in a bucket. I'm betting Burt will bring his "magic" hammer.

Just before the competition starts, the size, quanity and type of material will be revealed. They will then have two hours to make whatever they want. The audience will paticipate in a couple ways. First we will have a emcee. If anyone has questions during the event, he will try to get answers from the bladesmiths. They will also be allowed to vote at the end, thus choosing a winner. They will also be able to bid on these knives during the auction.

I am very excited about this. Getting to watch two talented and creative guys like Jason and Burt go head to head will be a treat. Thank you, Shelly Knight, for the idea.

As this is a new event, I would welcome comments or ideas. Also, any other Master Bladesmiths who may wish to compete, let me know. We will set you up a forging station.

Thanks, Bill Wiggins

PS- we will try to limit the materials so that Jason will not be able to make a light saber
 
Bill I cant wait, This is going to be the new thing at hammer in's. FIRE, HAMMER, HOT STEEL, TIME AND MATERIAL LIMIT!!!!!! and NAKED hands.
 
that sounds AWESOME!
You guys should air it live on the web:thumbup:
 
Awesome...!
Who provides the "Bucket", and
is there an entrance fee...?
 
Hi Russ,

The bucket will be yours with whatever hammers, tongs etc. you wish to use. The entrance fee for the hammerin is 55 bucks for the weekend. No fee to compete in the Iron Bladesmith.
 
you could, Roger, if it were broadcast LIVE ON THE WEB!:)
 
The rules expressly preclude bringing tools in a
Caterpillar bucket ...;-)
 
To keep things simple, lets go with a 5 gallon bucket. Wouldn't want things to get too crowded in the arena!!

With the set up we have at the college, we could easily handle 4 contestants. Each would have their own forging station and grinder. I hope we can get one or two more Master Smiths interested in taking part in this.
 
Great Idea! I hope to be there to watch!

Steve
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ABS Apprentice
Potomac Forge
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IN GOD WE TRUST
 
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I would love to see this in person. My 2 favourite makers.

I really hope to see some footage of this.
 
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