Trackrock Hammer-in Sept 2015

Good grief, these weekends look fantastic. I've got to drag the canned ham and the old lady out for one of these in the spring or fall. I'd love to spend a weekend like this!
 
I have to start off by thanking some of the finest gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure of meeting let alone be able to proudly call friends. Everyone single one of them truly made this "Yank" feel at home. Carl, Rick, Randy, Andy, Phil and of course Allen, many thanks for the amazing weekend. It was a whirlwind from start to finish and I cherished every single minute of it. The amount of knowledge these guys posses and are willingly share is truly too much to absorb. Now a few quick pics.

My very amateur hand under the watchful, masterful eye of Rick.

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The two collaboration pieces Rick, Allen and I forged. The only thing that would have made it better is if I could have gotten Andy and Carl to join in...

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Group shot of my collaborations, as well as Allen's with the Fiddleback Curly Q's that were forged. And yes I was very lucky enough to get to do one of those! (under the close supervision of Allen)

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Close up of the wrench knives Allen and I made from one wrench. These were a joint effort (by design) with Rick. We all worked on each knife. I will always cherish mine..

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And of course there was some down time we used to occupy ourselves with some knives, woods, and malted beverages...

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It was a priceless experience for me. I don't think it could have gotten any better, ....well maybe if Andy had been able to stay a bit longer. I cannot say enough good things about this event and the amazing group of guys that were associated with it, the spring Hammer-In cannot arrive soon enough for me!
 
As always, the three days at Track Rock are the best and we do it twice a year! Being able to see long time friends and make some new ones makes it a wonderful event.

Peter, I totally enjoyed the chance to meet you and Susan. Seeing her expression while forging hot steel and her comment "I can do this!" was priceless. Oh and.... you did darn well yourself. I wholeheartedly agree on the osage for handle material.

I've done several collaboration pieces with top notch bladesmiths, but none that will rate any higher than those done with Bill and Allen. Good memories and good friends.
 
Thanks for sharing the additional pics Bill.
For you guys that have not had the pleasure, Bill is quite the gentleman (not sure what he sees in us reprobates at all). We entertained him best we could with our own sense of backwoods late night humor. Sure is good to unwind with a cold unit and treasured friends ..... you too Phil (just messin'). Always fun and a true blessing.
Yeah March seems like years away until it's time to load up for the event.
Oh yeah! March 2016 will be our 30th event at Trackrock - expect something special.
 
WEll, I only got to go for one evening, but as usual, it was beyond a good time. Thank you Carl.
 
Great pics Bill. Really digging those paired wrench knives, those are too cool.
Good to meet you earlier on Friday. Glad you had a good time.

Preston
 
Thank you for the kind words Carl, appreciate that, and the pleasure truly was mine..

Thanks Preston. It was great meeting you over some good food....
 
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Great job Bill on the collaboration projects. Those wrench knives are just too cool. It looks like everyone had a fabulous time.

Phil
 
Phil you are always welcome to come join in the fun just a short plane ride (heck of a long mule ride though!).
 
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