Hammerin in Germany

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Hammer-In 2006 in Laubuseschbach
For two days Markus Balbach’s forge/smithy in Laubuseschbach, Germany will the meeting point for many well known blacksmiths, bladesmiths and artists involved in the art of forging and knifemaking, a number of them coming from foreign countries. The date will be the 22. and 23. July 2006.
If you are in Germany then, we would be glad to see you ! (As for Rolf).

Through Markus’ initiative, almost 800 visitors from all over Germany as well as from other European countries were present at the „Hammer-In 2004“ and even more are expected to turn un this July 2006.

At it’s scenic location in the Taunus area we hope the visitors will enjoy good weather on the beautiful fields around the roomy smithy.

Not only the family Balbach will be active, but also representatives of the IFGS(Internationaler Fachverband gest. Schmiede-Intern. Prof. Smithing Society), IGDF(Internationale Gesellschaft Damaszenerstahl-Forschung-Intern. Soc. For Damascus Research), ABA(Australian Blacksmiths Association), BKS (Belgian Knife Society), DMG (Deutsche Messermacher Gilde-German Knifemaker’s Guild), NBTHK-European Branch (Nippon Bijutsu Token Hotzon Kyokai), and a Bow Shooting Club as well as many international smiths and artist working independently and not as part of an established organization, will be there. Steel smelting ovens will most likely be again built and run.

A very special highlight of the Hammer-In this year will be a Knife Testing Demonstration and Competition sponsored by the German Knifemaker’s Guild and moderated by Rolf. Persons wishing to test their knives (also factory knives may be entered in the competition) will be given an opportunity to register. This activity will be non-destructive and is intended to be ‘fun’ for all. We were inspired by the American Bladesmith Society’s ABS competition in knife prowess. (The will be NO destructive testing done in this competition).

Furthermore, Dr. Herbert Weishaupt, author Jens Essig (TV Program TerraX) and Andy Haas will hold lectures on various subjects. Amoung the themes will be making of folders, as well as on antique european weapons such as swords, daggers and lance blades. Original weapons will also be shown.

Members of the Belgian Knife Society from Holland, Belgian and Germany as well as DMG and independent smiths will be forging untiringly until well into the night on both days on their self built field gas forges,
Their products, knives, hair needles and jewelry can be purchased by the visitors.


In tents, DMG and other knifemakers and artists can present their wares. Many visitors will be confronted for the first time with the fact that a fancy handmade knife could cost several thousand dollars.

Speicial attraction as part of a Japanese evening theme on the 22nd will be
- Japanese Swordsmanship demonstration
- an open air Japanese film shown in the evening
- Sushi meal (must be preordered)
More to follow !!!
For more info watch this spot or contact:
Markus Balbach
Blacksmith-Knifemaker/Kunstschmied
Heinrich-Wörner-Str. 3
35789 Weilmünster-Laubuseschbach
GERMANY
balbach.damastREMOVEMEFIRST@t-online.de
Tel.: +49-6475-8911

Ref: Messerforum: http://www.messerforum.net/showthread.php?p=260602#post260602


P.S. Here some overnight possibilities in the area:

Haus Emmi- Pension
Etwas veraltert aber sehr günstig! - Somewhat old but inexpensive
Zimmer und Wohnung-Rooms and apartments (12 Betten-Beds)2 Einz.-Zimmer(singles) und Rest Doppelzimmer(Doubles).
Inh. Emmi Müller
D 35789 Laubuseschbach
Tel: +49(0)6475/284

Im Nachbarort etwa 1,5km entfernt-in the neighborhood about 1 mile away:

Landgasthof "Zur alten Schmiede"
Inh. Manfred Höpp
35789 Wolfenhausen
Bornbachstr. 29
Tel: 0049(0)6475/1692

10km von hier-7 miles from the event:
Landgasthof Einhaus
35789 Weilmünster-Möttau
Tel.:0049(0)6472/831390
 
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We had an "Artistic Blacksmith's Convention" here at the university a few years back. These guys had some really nice stuff. There was a teach-in at the portable forge, a display room full of artworks, and so forth. Interesting bunch of guys.
 
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