Hammer in?

[Makermook]

I'm new to the community of knifemakers. I've been doing this mostly on my own; haven't ever actually met another knife smith in person yet. Not that I'm a shut-in or anything; I just don't know any smiths in my area.

As a result, I'm not accustomed to gatherings of smiths, but I keep hearing this term "hammer-in".

Is this simply where a bunch of smiths get together at one of their houses and make stuff together? Is it like a weekend of lessons where they teach each other smithing techniques?

Is it more like an art fair where the public hangs around, watching smiths work? Are there vendors?

3 guys in a garage with an anvil and a case of beer?

All of the above?

 

[Salem Straub]

Normally it would be for the benefit of the smiths involved, not the public at large. Anything from a loose plan for a few guys to get together and build some stuff and have fun, to a bigger organized thing with demonstrators featured, etc.

Could be more of an emphasis on teaching/learning, or more about a collaborative effort to make an art piece, some damascus, tools, whatever.

 

[deker]

The way I see it is if two guys get together to work on something, it's a couple guys working on something. Once you get 3 guys (and thus, 5 opinions!), it's a hammer-in

At the other end of the spectrum are the week long events with 4 or 5 demonstration tents and thousands of people in attendance (like the ABANA conference).

Any time 'smith's get together and somebody gets taught something, that's a hammer-in IMHO.

-d

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Hammer-ins and Bladesmithing Seminars are held regularly through the fairer weather parts of the year. If at all possible, you should attend one. Most have a small cost to cover the expense of putting one on, but some are free. There is usually lots of tail gating and some vendors.

They are usually held by some organization or club, and are in a location where there are facilities for teaching and doing smithing. The ABS holds them all year long in a variety of places. They are regularly held in Clyde, NC.

A google of "Hammer-in ABS" ( or some other group) will pull up lots of them. "Bladesmithing Seminar" gets lots more. Using a state will find ones close to home. For instance "Hammer-in, NC". Also, search the blacksmith guilds and clubs for their hammer-ins.

Keep your eyes posted on this forum for folks mentioning up-coming events. A look in the knife magazines will show the lists of "Upcoming Events". Checking the ABS, ABANA, Knife Guild, and other club sites will show there schedule of events,too.

Posting a more complete location in your profile will help you meet more smiths in your area. "Kentucky" is a pretty big area. "Knoxville, Kentucky" is much more specific. Another smith in your area may let you know when there is a get together.....or offer an invite to come over and pound steel.