- Joined
- Aug 1, 2000
- Messages
- 863
My wife and I just got back from a wonderful weekend up in New England.
Upon arriving saturday morning, I was quickly impressed with the courtesy and hospitality of the guys of NECKA. The shop and demo area was nicely arranged with 2 forges, a hydraulic press, anvil, welder, heatreating equipment, tables, a very comfortable awning for shade and a slight breeze. George's generous offering of his shop and machinery was quickly accepted and the demos started with Wolf Rua showing the fundamental smithing techniques of making tapers. Like a master, he flawlessly demostrated forward and reverse tapers before turning the steel into a beautiful leaf.
Then John Frankl took over with a very informative and impresive demo focused around making a "crushed w" damascus billet. Folks, you should keep your eye on this guy! He is a student of the art! His knowledge and attention to detail is incredible. I predict that the custom knifemaking world will see and hear a ton from this guy!
After a session of drawing out the "crushed w" billet. We took a lunch break. Joe Brum's wife provided a fantastic spread of local, regional and international foods. This was no doubt the highlight of the trip for me. We enjoyed: Shrimp Mosembique, Spuds-pork and lil'necks, chicken wings, lasagna, beans, meatballs and portegese rolls....no body went home hungry.
After lunch, the demos continued with Jim Siska perfectly grinding a curvy little tactical blade. John Frankl finished the "Crushed w" billet and Wolf forged a flawless blade.
Then guys spread out and took advantage of the equipment and knowledge available. The forge and press was busy with the activity of making cable damascus, the grinders were busy with guys making blades, the tempering oven was tempering, George's basement shop was buzzing with knifemaking. There was plenty of "meet and greet", "show-and-tell", and general knifemaking camaraderie.
It was my pleasure to meet everyone that attended. I extend my sincere thanks to the hospitality and generosity of George Rebello and the guys of the NECKA. Great Job and looking forward to the next on!
Here are the photos that I took:
NECKA Hammer in Photos September 14, 2002
Sincerely,
Rob
Upon arriving saturday morning, I was quickly impressed with the courtesy and hospitality of the guys of NECKA. The shop and demo area was nicely arranged with 2 forges, a hydraulic press, anvil, welder, heatreating equipment, tables, a very comfortable awning for shade and a slight breeze. George's generous offering of his shop and machinery was quickly accepted and the demos started with Wolf Rua showing the fundamental smithing techniques of making tapers. Like a master, he flawlessly demostrated forward and reverse tapers before turning the steel into a beautiful leaf.
Then John Frankl took over with a very informative and impresive demo focused around making a "crushed w" damascus billet. Folks, you should keep your eye on this guy! He is a student of the art! His knowledge and attention to detail is incredible. I predict that the custom knifemaking world will see and hear a ton from this guy!
After a session of drawing out the "crushed w" billet. We took a lunch break. Joe Brum's wife provided a fantastic spread of local, regional and international foods. This was no doubt the highlight of the trip for me. We enjoyed: Shrimp Mosembique, Spuds-pork and lil'necks, chicken wings, lasagna, beans, meatballs and portegese rolls....no body went home hungry.
After lunch, the demos continued with Jim Siska perfectly grinding a curvy little tactical blade. John Frankl finished the "Crushed w" billet and Wolf forged a flawless blade.
Then guys spread out and took advantage of the equipment and knowledge available. The forge and press was busy with the activity of making cable damascus, the grinders were busy with guys making blades, the tempering oven was tempering, George's basement shop was buzzing with knifemaking. There was plenty of "meet and greet", "show-and-tell", and general knifemaking camaraderie.
It was my pleasure to meet everyone that attended. I extend my sincere thanks to the hospitality and generosity of George Rebello and the guys of the NECKA. Great Job and looking forward to the next on!
Here are the photos that I took:
NECKA Hammer in Photos September 14, 2002
Sincerely,
Rob
