Southeastern Fall Family Camping Hammer/Grind-in

Mark Williams

Mark Williams

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I was Just thinkin, What do you guys think about having a knife family kind of shindig.We could reserve some space at a camp ground somewhere kind of central for everybody, say maybe somewhere on the Blue Ridge parkway near the Georgia/Tennessee border.I think it would be nice to see some of You fine folks face to face.
We could plan on some time after labor day so folks that dont like sleeping out doors wouldn't have to pay so much for a hotel.The more I think about it the better this sounds.We could all bring grinders ,forges,Beer,anvils,hammers,beer,knives,food and just have a great big ole time.If we network together on this thing we could cook us up a pig or two.I'm not saying that folks not from the Southeast cant come, anybody that want's to can.What say You knife compadres?

Mark
 
I was thinking of some time around the first w/e in September and making it a little more central for folks, but I would definately like to come to you're event also Bobby, My Father lives in Bonneau.
I also want everyone to feel free to bring the whole family. I think something not quite so structured would be more fun.I'm sure with all the talent we have here that someone would be willing to do some demos.
There is a campground on the top of a mountain near Blue Ridge Georgia with a nice lake for those of us that fish to use and I'm sure many other non-knife related fall activities for the wives and kids.We should make a definate decision soon to reserve the space.Anyone that want's to do this please e-mail me ASAP and I will make the arrangements.


Markdebandmark@mindspring.com
 
Yeah the first weekend in September is the South East Custom Knife Show in Winston Salem too i beleive, wouldnt want to miss that!!!

Just let us know if we can help with any plans... try to arrange demos or whatever... just make sure you find a site wth electricity... I'm not hand filing any blades!!:)

Micky, Colorado was great... the fires were about half a mile from where we stayed but had moved on by the time we got there... great trip, gotta plan that one every 5 years!!!


Alan...

www.warrior.org/foltsknives
 
I am totally up for any suggestions as to the date or the place. I was thinking it would be a nice area that I have suggested so that we could possibly get a certain individual from Mississippi(hint,hint) to show up.It's only an 8hr drive from Booneville(hint,hint).You guy's that frequent the other forums feel free to post this.The more the merry be.So far there is only 5 of us that have shown any interest.Anybody that wants to invite someone feel free.So if nobody has any objections the last weekend in September is a firm date to shoot for.

Mark
 
Hey Guys,
Got a response from a campground in Blairsville Georgia, I explained what we wanted to do and they said they would love to have us . Noise is no problem as they have 60 horses that are serviced weekly by a farrier from Cleveland Georgia. They also have a covered area near the office with electrical that we can use.It sounds as though they are welcome to the idea.They said we could double up on the camp sites if we wanted to.This should be a very inexpensive venture.
I hate to pin folks down but we should probably set a date for the ones who are interested to make a decision, say the end of the month so that we can be gauranteed the space. If folks dont want to deal with the footwork you can send a check or m/o to me by the end of the month and I will do it(trust me).Here is a link to the campground.



Campground
 
Hi, are there any Hammer Ins near SC any time soon? I saw the one in October, but that is soooo looong to wait :)
 
OK OK I can take a hint..The last week of September..You know that is just a couple of weeks before I have the one at my shop.So If you want you could just have it here.There are hotels within 15 minutes of the shop and camping areas are around but farthur away.I can find out about some camping areas closer to the shop.I can check on a couple of places to have it at in town that will have camping available and be within 5 minutes of hotels and food..If this sounds good let me know,if not.I will need a ride to where ever you guys want to have it at as I don't have a dependable car for any kind of long distance driving.If we have it here I should be able to get a couple of Demonstraters like Alex Daniels and Ken Durham also.
Bruce
 
I know what You mean about transportation problems.Every vehicle I own has been giving me fits lately.I sure wish someone out Your way could bring You Bruce.Deb is already gonna be kickin my but for dragging her in the car for 12 hrs, much less 20.
Hang in there with the dental stuff,I think a pain in the teeth is about the only thing worse that a bad back problem.

Alright now somebody needs to bring Bruce, There's got to be somebody coming from that direction.

Mark
 
Just saw this post. I'm about an hour and a half from Blairsville so I would definately attend!!

I'll even say this, I got a farm (plenty of room) and all the necessary knife making equipment (except a Forge) I'm just no good at makin 'em! :) So ANYBODY that would want to come down and spend the day at my place would be more than welcome, I would gladly accept any training in return. ;) I could probably even russle up something for Lunch or Dinner for the group - how does all natural home grown chicken sound?

Also, for any Family members that are not into knife making, the Ocoee river is about 45 minutes from Blairsville. The Ocoee is where the Olympic White Water Rafting events took place and is about the best Family Rafting place in the Southeast. Another attraction that is here in Cleveland (where I live) is the Red Clay State Park. This Park is where the Cherokee were massed together and served as the starting off place for their march west, the beginning of the Trail of Tears.

Count me in. Just let me know if there is anything specific that I can do to help.
 
Hope to see You there Hillbillenigma, and thanks for the invite and the local attractions rundown.I sure hope we can get a good turn out. I'm going regardless.I love the mountains.

Mark
 
Hi, Mark---You would be hard pressed to find a better location than the Trackrock Campgrounds here in Union county. The campgrounds are actually about 14 miles from Blairsville in a most beautiful section of the Southern Appalachian mountains. It nestles in a valley just below Brasstown Bald,the highest peak in Georgia at 4784 feet. My home is just off Trackrock Gap Road about 4 miles from the campground so I know the area fairly well. The area has a multitude of streams, rivers, golf courses and riding stables--the campground has stables with at least 30-50 horses wth wonderful trails. Two lakes are nearby, Lake Nottely in Blairsville and Lake Chatuge which is both in Union County and Clay County in North Carolina---excellent striper fishing and boating. Helen, GA is about 25 miles south of the campground and is a delightful little city copied after Alpine cities in Switzerland. Fine eating places abound and also some quaint watering holes and discount shopping. 100 miles north of Atlanta, 110 miles west of Asheville, 100 miles east of Chattanooga--- 8 miles to North Carolina, 45 miles to South Carolina and 30 miles to Tennessee. Mark, What we don't have, we don't need! As a matter of interest there are quite a few knifemakers in the area. Dennis Bradley lives in Blairsville as does Larry Aikens. Chuck and Peggy Patrick live in Brasstown NC (15 miles) Chuck is well known as a forging instructor at Jim Batson's hammer-ins and teaches at the world reknown John C.Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. Lonewolf, Jerry Hossom, Warren Glover (Bubba Knives), Jim Ragsdale are all within about 80/90 miles. Dan Mink from Florida has a cabin just south of town. If this soiree jells, I would be glad to pass the word on to them. Keep me posted as I would be delighted to give a little seminar on sheath making at my home for those interested and could probably rustle up a few COLD brews for those who are parched (or claim to be!) Sandy
 
I can vouch for everything Sandy just said. It's a beautiful area where we've gone camping on several occassions. Depending on the weekend, not being in serious conflict with a show, I'd love to attend.
 
Hi, can anyone tell me more about the Hammer-Ins in NC? Or suggest a wesite that gives more info about them? I am in Columbia, SC and looking for something like that where i can see how to make blades properly. I am mainly interested in making Katana type blades right now. The only one i have found so far is in Ocober at Branton Knives. Thanks.
 
Thank You very much for the invite Sandy, I lived in Cornelia as a boy and spent most of my youth exploring them hills. I'm really looking forward to meeting all these fine folks and getting back to the beautiful scenery.I'm sure nobody would pass up the chance to learn form You Sandy.
I do hope you can Make it Jerry.I hope you can bring a few knives for folks to oogle over.

Terry try the N.C. ABANA here

The more I think about it the better it sounds to just go ahead and make a week out of it and then go to Bobby Brantons also. What better vacation could you ask for?:)

Mark
 
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