Brazilian Knifemakers at Fisk's

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RonNewton

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Aug 2, 2000
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We had a good time with the Brazilian knifemakers(Ricardo,Rodrigo, and Luciano, and I won't attempt their last names)at Jerry's shop Wednesday.

The morning started as I forged a Fillicietti finger style mosaic billet from O1 and 15n20. I then handed the billet to big John Fitch to forge a 6" fighter blade with a hidden tang. He did a great forging job too by the way. He normalized the blade and placed in vermiculite to anneal and then after we had a nice lunch at Jerry's house Fitch flatground the blade.

I then took the same blade and made a silver sheath for it. That's as far as we got on what John and I plan to finish at a later date making this our first collaboration.

Mike Williams was showing Amy Hinchman some flatgrinding techniques, Jim Walker demo'd some filework,(I believe ropefilework), Tim Foster welded a powder can, and Jerry was a gracious host. Darby Neaves,Larry Conally from Knife Art, several knifemakers and others were also present. We had a small cutting event on cans, water bottles and 2 by 4's. Amy cut her first can into(first swing) so look out Jan DuBois!! I can see some competition coming from the gals in the near future.

We then went to Uncle Al's for a marvelous BBQ rib and chicken dinner with all the trimmings. Thanks Al and Miss Sheila!!!We then had a round table question and aswering discussion with 10% of all the mastersmiths in the world, B.R. Hughes and Amy Hinchman all under one roof. Bailey Bradshaw was teaching a forging class at the ABS school in Old Washington,Ar. and brought his class(and sweet wife) to Uncle Al's also. Some brought a few blades they had forged during the week.

The Brazilians were so, so, grateful for the events of the day and spoke to the group about how special it was to have so much talent in a close knit organization such as the ABS and how fortunate we are to have such a wonderful knifemaking family. I realized that evening how truly blessed we are.

I know Darby and Larry took pictures so maybe we can get them to share some on this thread.
 
That sounds like a blast and I am glad you were all able to get together. (a little green with envy here ;) since I wish I could have been there!)
 
This is the blade we made. Still has to be heat treated and final ground and handsanded. I put it in some ferric chloride just long enough for eveyone to hopefully see the "Funky Fillicietti" pattern.
 

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Sounds like an absolutely terrific event - wish I coulda been there. Thanks for the report!

Cheers,

Roger

PS - that collaboration blade looks outstanding, by the way.
 
MEMO TO : Ron Newton
From: PTGDVC

I would like to be first in line for that little number when it is finished! IT is merely sensational!

Best,
Peter
 
Wow! That's so stinkin' cool! I wish I could have been there, too.
Those Brazilian boys are doing so pretty neat stuff already. It's great being able to share with them(and some downhome Arkansas cookin' too).
JP
 
Sounds like a great time was had by all, teachers and students alike. Also glad to hear Steve getting credit for his techniques. Word down here in Oz is that some makers Steve met are claiming them as their own. I hope you blokes don't let them get away with it.

Regards Peter.

:)
 
It was a great evenning for every one. One of my students spent $700+ on knife making tools. He is showing real talent in his forging and eye for sound design. It won't suprise me when he get's his MS stamp in a few years.

there was so much information put out at the metting it would be difficult to recap it all, or internalize it.

The little blade Ron and John are doing together is VERY nice.

Peter,

Please let Steve know that every blade I have seen forged with his "finger" damascus was credited to him for the pattern. I hear his name at every show and it is eaither in regards to his superb workmanship or his damascus pattern. Ron Newton and John Fitch have shown enough of the steel that most collectors and makers here know where the pattern came from and can tell if a maker has purgered him by taking credit for the pattern.
 
Let me tell ya...it was an experience that I wouldn't trade for the world. These guys have been so good to me and so many others. Never have I felt more welcome.

The Brazilians were a riot. We hope they come back to visit soon.

I'm heading to Fitch's and Crowell's in a few weeks. They can ask Mike though---they'll have a hard time getting me to dance at the grinder. Mike is an excellent and patient teacher as well as a heck of a grinder.

Ron and I have bonded over cans of Sprite. Not in the typical fashion of "hitting the bottle" either. I have my sliced pieces displayed on the mantle---not as a trophy, but as a reminder that indeed all things are possible. Note to Jan: Imagine the look on their faces when the highest placement for the men will be THIRD!!

As B.R. said, "The grinder is not my friend."
 
Amy is going to pursue knifemaking!!!!!!!!!!!:) She has her first 5 already spoken far!!!!!! GUESS who is getting #1?????;) She will be good at ANYTHING she does. PERIOD!
 
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