Spring 2003 Piney Woods Hammer-In

[primos]

Twice a year I like to announce the Piney Woods Hammer-In at Old Washington, Arkansas on the various forums. It's that time again folks. The Spring Hammer-In is this coming weekend. I'd like to invite everyone who can make it to come join us. You won't be disappointed.

Here's the Info:

Piney Woods Hammer-In
May 3rd and 4th, 2003
Wm. F. Moran School of Bladesmithing Old Washington, Arkansas
Contact Scotty Hayes 903-832-5565, ext. 3236
Tuition: $120

Old Washington is located in southwest Arkansas, 8 miles north of Hope, approximately 35 miles from Texarkana. This restored village of fewer than 200 residents dates back to 1824.

Motel Or Hotel Reservations
Best Western Inn (Hope Arkansas).............. 870-777-9222 -- $$$
Super Eight Motel (Hope Arkansas)............. 870-777-8601 -- $$
Holiday Inn Express (Hope Arkansas)........... 870-722-6262 -- $$$$
Quality Inn of Hope (Hope Arkansas)........... 870-777-0777 -- $$
1914 School/Bunkhouse (Washington Arkansas)... 870-983-2684 -- $

Schedule
Classes are May 3rd and 4th - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Instructors .................................. Topics:
Michael Connor - Winter, Texas ............ Fluted Handles
B.R.Hughes - Texarkana, Texas ............. Marketing Aspects of Bladesmithing
Amy Hinchman - Fayetteville, Arkansas ..... Marketing Aspects of Bladesmithing
Harvey Dean - Rockdale, Texas ............. Knife Design
James Crowell - Mountain View, Arkansas ... Blades Forging
Joe Flournoy - El Dorado, Arkansas ........ Soldering of Guards
Greg Neely - Bellaire, Texas .............. Critique of J.S. & M.S. Knives
Mike Williams - Broken Bow, Oklahoma ...... Critique of J.S. & M.S. Knives
B.R.Hughes - Texarkana, Texas ............. Critique of J.S. & M.S. Knives
John Fitch - Clinton, Arkansas ............ Hot Blueing of Blades
Ray Kirk - Talequah, Oklahoma ............. Kydex Sheaths
J.W. Randall - Keithville, Louisiana ...... Damascus
Terry Primos - Shreveport, Louisiana ...... Hands-on Forging
Lee Reeves - Shattuck, Oklahoma ........... Forging of Axes
Jerry Fisk - Lockesburg, Arkansas ......... Cutting Competition
Mike Williams - Broken Bow, Oklahoma ...... Cutting Competition
Greg Neely - Bellaire, Texas .............. Cutting Competition

Tavern Cookout: On Saturday, May 3, 2003, at 5:15 p.m. Ms. Kay and the Tavern Cookers will be serving a fish fry at the picnic area of the Williams Tavern, across from the school.

Cutting Competition
The cutting competition will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday May 4, 2003. All participants need to sign up for the competion when signing in for classes on Saturday.

I noticed that it was not stated on the registration and schedule, but I'll add the following as it is very important for safety reasons.

All pieces will be checked for safety by the judges. If any of the judges feel that the piece is unsafe, then you will not be allowed to enter the competition. All knives should have at least one pin securing the handle and have a thong hole (lanyard hole) with a leather or nylon tether for safety.

Blades can be no longer than 10", with a maximum width of 1.5", and an overall length of 15".

Misc
As always, we expect a good turnout. It is not unusual to have a few collectors in the bunch. For those who have never attended a Piney Woods Hammer-In, we have a "Show-And-Tell" period before classes on Sunday morning. Makers bring examples of some of their current work. Often there will be many pieces up for sale.

Al Lawrence (Uncle Al, the Knifemaker's pal) will have a tent on site and will have materials, equipment, etc. for sale. Often James (Pop) Poplin is there as well. I don't know if he'll make it this time or not. I'll try to find out.

I may have to get Darby to help me out on this one. At the last few Hammer-In's there has also been a Sunday morning worship service for in the church at Old Washington for those who care to attend. There is usually some interesting talent at the service. You may get to hear Darby, John Fitch, and/or Reggie Barker sing. What can you tell us Darby?

Also, I just found out from Mike Williams that both Ray Kirk and Kenny Rowe are scheduled for surgery this week. I don't know if it's anything serious in either case, but let's keep these guys in mind and hope that they are able to attend the Hammer-In.

*whew* Have I missed anything?

 

[NickWheeler]

Whewe-eeeh! What a week-end that's going to be.

I sure wish I wasn't so far away guys, that would be a great time.

I might go crazy trying to decide which classes to go to though

I hope you all have a fun and safe time (I know you will!!!!).

Ray and Kenny will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Nick

 

[raker]

The prayers worked. I had the lumbar laminectomy yesterday morning and was up walking 8 hours later. I checked out and was home by 1:00 PM today. No pain, no pain pills, but lots of water . I wish I had been able to have this taken care of quicker but did not know the extent of the damage. I will be at Atlanta in good health as I have talked to my fantastic surgeon about the cutting competition. He said I should have no problem in being in the competition. That was fantastic news for me.
Again, thanks for the prayers and I hope to see everyone in Atlanta.
I haven't heard anything on Kenny yet and maybe some one will post something later.

 

[primos]

It's great that you are doing well Ray, yet very sad that you won't be at the hammer-in. Like I said to you earlier, somehow it just won't be the same.

####

Also, Ray brought something to my attention that I need to add even though this thread has pretty much drawn zero interest.

Ray was under the impression that the max blade width on the competition knives was 2" rather than 1.5". That does sound logical based on my memory of competitions in the past. However, the 1.5" max that I posted was directly from the registrtaion/schedule that was mailed out by Texarkana College.

Maybe Mike or Jerry can clear it up.

 

[Bastid]

Ray,
Between the news on you, Audra and a close friend of mine at work who returned after 2 and 1/2 months, my week has been made .

Great news!

 

[m l williams]

Ray; great to hear you are up and at em. Look forward to harassing you at Atlanta. I believe Kenny is having open heart surgery either yesterday or today. Terry; I haven't seen a schedule from the school yet. The ABS specs are going to be the standard for the cutting comps in the future. this will give everyone a standardized size and level the playing field somewhat. mw

 

[Bastid]

Guys, have fun down there. I wish I could show up. (Pesky job that lets me buy knives. )

Be sure to give Sava and Fitch some grief for me. (Take it a little easier on Sava though.)