Dean, Fuegen, Hancock!

joshsmith

joshsmith

Joined
Mar 31, 2005
Messages
646
That got your attention didn't it! I'm just writing to let you know that the 3rd Big Sky Country Hammer-In is in the process of being planned. The hammer-in will be June 28-29 2008. The instructors will be Harvey Dean, Larry Fuegen, and Tim Hancock.

I am writing now because I would love to see some of you forum guys here! With some of the things that has gone on with the forums and the ABS lately I've thought about asking one of the forum collectors to come give a little talk about the forums and help enlighted some of the ABS people as to what it's all about. I think the direct contact is what is needed instead of getting on a forum and telling other forum guys why forums are good. It doesn't seem to be solving any of the misunderstandings. I see many of the good things that come from the forums and I think it would be interesting to hear from a collectors point of view as to what you find great about the forums.

On my website I still have last years info up but if you'd like to check it out and at least get a feel for how it was structured and what's included in it feel free. The general outline will remain the same. Anyway I'll be in touch later but I'd sure like you to consider coming in the meantime. Thanks,

Josh

www.joshsmithknives.com
 
I have been to this hammerin since its inception and anyone that has followed my progression should be able to tell how much it has helped increase my knowledge and ability by at least 5 years. i have heard nothing but good comments from anyone who has attended this hammerin for the last two years. And the hospitality put forward by Josh and Jody is above and beyond anything that you can imagine. This year it will be interesting to see what there is that goes "boom" in the evenings.
 
Hey Josh,
We met on Saturday at SICAC. This sounds like a whale of a hammer-in in the making. My only question is how does one get to where you are?:D
Joe
 
I live in Frenchtown Montana which is just outside Missoula. Missoula has the largest airport in western Montana. You can fly direct from Minneapolis, Denver, Salt Lake City, or Seattle. From anywhere else you'd have to connect through one of those cities.

Kevin I hope you can make it. I hope to make this hammer-in more than a place to learn how to grind a knife. I would like it to turn into a place collectors come to get to know makers on a more personal level if they'd like. I will always be trying to target the top makers as instructors to keep it exciting for collectors. I will always keep the instructor numbers to three or less to try and make it feel more personal for the collectors.

Once you get here we have some world class trout fishing and some top rated golf courses and there isn't a better time of year in Montana to do either.

Thanks Erik for you compliments. Your knives are improving because you are putting in the time and seeking critiques.

I'm heading out to forge some damascus for a fighter and folder set in which I hope to share with you when I'm done.
 
joshsmith said:
I am writing now because I would love to see some of you forum guys here! With some of the things that has gone on with the forums and the ABS lately I've thought about asking one of the forum collectors to come give a little talk about the forums and help enlighted some of the ABS people as to what it's all about. I think the direct contact is what is needed instead of getting on a forum and telling other forum guys why forums are good. It doesn't seem to be solving any of the misunderstandings. I see many of the good things that come from the forums and I think it would be interesting to hear from a collectors point of view as to what you find great about the forums.
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That is a good idea. As of now I am planning on making it to your hammer-in next summer. Feel free to email me if you would be interested in having me give that little talk.
 
Keith Montgomery said:
That is a good idea. As of now I am planning on making it to your hammer-in next summer. Feel free to email me if you would be interested in having me give that little talk.
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Keith, you would sure be an appropriate and enlighten voice for the forums.:thumbup:

I would like to see a small group of collectors address the ABS Board on general issues and the forged knife industry in general.

I think we could see a very positive outcome as a result of these discussions.
 
I think the benchmark for hammer-ins will be at Josh's place in June. I'll have to see my own schedule to decide. Surely an event of caliber.

That said, in regards to the discussion on forums and the ABS: that's eight months away. We are here 24/7. Invite the principles to start and join in a discussion right here in the comfort of ALL of our homes. Or simply tune in and watch. I think they would be impressed. What we need is ABS members/makers supporting the discussions; it's not simply 'collectors'.

Josh, your informative posts are exactly what the forums are all about: Good information seasoned with strong opinions. My livliehood is dependent on the internet, and forums are one that I have influence. Each one of my clients (ABS or otherwise) who's work I post is benefitted through these posts.

I'm all for a personal handshake and a tutorial. This place can't match a hammer-in. But, behind each and every keyboard is a human being. I know this, and so do 90% of the members. Boy, it's neat when I am approached by a forum member at a show and we actually meet. A real bond.

Looking forward to learning more about your event. Thanks.

Coop
 
Keith,

Thank you for your offer. I think I would like to take you up on it. I would like to speak with you first though. I would like to call you if you could email me your phone number or maybe you could give me a call. 406-626-5775

Coop as far as getting board members here to watch or participate. I can't speak for them but I doubt that would happen for a few reasons, most of which are not anti you or forums. But I know at least a few would grow old before they could type a full paragraph. Second of all I think it would have to start in person. There needs to be a healthy discussion in which people are made aware of what benefits the forums provide that maybe they haven't thought about.

I also have learned that not all forums are created equal! There are about two I consider worth going to and the rest you could drag me into in handcuffs.

I can understand the position that many makers are in. Many are full time makers. This is why I don't participate often. I have work to do. If I were to spend an extra hour a day in my shop instead of typing I could have a nice little hunter done each week, which in turn would mean a nice chuck of change at the end of the month.

Don't get me wrong. I can see the benefit of relationship building on the forums to a point. But the full time guys have to be very protective of their time. I can use this time of morning because I have kids I have to care for for another hour and can't be in my shop.

I don't think people really realize the amount of work that the board members do on a week to week basis for the ABS. In talking to a couple I know even they were surprised with the amount of work there is to do before you even get to the "other" topics that each person might like to change.

I think each one joins with the utmost intentions of making "change" where they see fit. But that is harder than it looks from the outside. They are still volunteers with other jobs.

I will provide a time for a healthy discussion at the hammer-in that may start the coming together process. But it will be a slow one and many need to understand why.

www.joshsmithknives.com
 
By the way Coop that wasn't meant to all be directed at you. I started with you and tended to tale off. Sorry. I tend to do that.

I appreciate your comments about the hammer-in.
 
Erik,
I'm guessing that you will bring that big "boomer" you had last year. That was a kick in the ass to shoot...black powder at 300+ yards. I heard rumors of flying anvils, too. And, please remember Josh's friend that said he would bring his bowling ball launcher, but needed powder. Maybe you can help Josh extend his pond, too.

I agree that Josh's get together is only gonna get better. I look forward to it as a way to meet face to face with some of the makers... and to see how much more I have to learn. Seeing Tim Hancock in action is a chance of a lifetime, he breaks it down into workable pieces and shows the ease of experience. The damascus demo last year was incredible.
 
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