Upcoming event: 2009 BGCM Blacksmith Days featuring ABS MS J. Neilson

[deker]

Hey folks,

I just wanted to drop a note in this forum to let folks know that next weekend (May 16-17) is the Blacksmith Guild of Central Maryland's 2009 "Blacksmith Days" hammer-in. This year our featured demonstrators are ABS Mastersmith J. Neilson, and Shel Browder & Steve Mankowski from the blacksmith's shop at Colonial Williamsburg.

There will also be demonstrations of carving in wood/bone/etc by Ferenc "Teddy" Gregor, repousee' and silverwork by Kerry Stagmer of Baltimore Knife & Sword, a "sheep to shawl" demonstration by the Carroll County Fiber Arts Guild, an Auction of hand forged items Saturday, forging contests, etc.

J. Neilson will be spending both days demonstrating his techniques of knifemaking from forging all the way through finishing.

J. has also been so kind as to donate a knife that will be raffled off at the event. You can get tickets at the event for $1/ea 5/$6 or 13/$10. If you're interested in raffle tickets but can't make the event (you don't have to be present to win!) send me an e-mail or PM and I can get tickets out to you via mail if you'd like.

Here's a pic of the knife J. has so kindly donated:

There will also be a raffle of a grill and set of grill tools that were all made by hand by guild members. Same ticket prices on this one.

The event will be held at the Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster, MD. Admission is $35 for the weekend and children under 12 accompanied by an adult get in free.

We always have a good time at this event. I hope some of the folks in the local area can make this one.

-d

 

[Nowicki]

I'll be there as usual..... Looking forward to it again.
It's a great time and you learn stuff too.
Don't forget to mention John's hammer.

Larry

 

[ryan9977]

deker....what does the money raised from the raffle go to?....ryan

 

[deker]

deker....what does the money raised from the raffle go to?....ryan

It all goes to fund the guild itself. BGCM is a 501.3(c) educational organization that holds several classes yearly, provides demonstration services and reproduction parts as needed for the farm museum where our guild forge is located, and publishes a bi-monthly newsletter for our membership (which has won awards two years running from ABANA). We also assist other affiliate guilds in the area in getting their shops operational, running hammer-ins, etc. The guild membership is approximately 250-300 members right now.

-d

 

[DougSeward]

I am very much looking forward to seeing you guys again. It was a lot of fun last year. I'll be there around 5pm Friday with barbecued brisket and pulled pork. -Doug

 

[deker]

I am very much looking forward to seeing you guys again. It was a lot of fun last year. I'll be there around 5pm Friday with barbecued brisket and pulled pork. -Doug

Ok. I'm going to pick your brain for BBQ tips and tricks this time.

-d

 

[deker]

Here's a quick update of the grill finished and just prior to painting....

-d

 

[DougSeward]

Ok. I'm going to pick your brain for BBQ tips and tricks this time.

-d

Deker, happy to oblige. Likewise regarding Damascus tips and tricks. I have been afraid to try it by hand, lacking a power hammer or press.

Do you know what time they are kicking off the smelt Friday? I was thinking of trying to get there early. -Doug

 

[deker]

Deker, happy to oblige. Likewise regarding Damascus tips and tricks. I have been afraid to try it by hand, lacking a power hammer or press.

Do you know what time they are kicking off the smelt Friday? I was thinking of trying to get there early. -Doug

Happy to share all the steel tips I've got. It's entirely doable with a hand hammer, you just have to plan a little bit and not bite off more than you can chew at once. It also helps to find a friend with a strong back to swing a sledge for you

I'm not sure of the schedule Friday, I'll try to find out and post back here.

-d

 

[deker]

It looks like the smelt is scheduled to start at noon on Friday for those who have interest in that. It's possible the furnace will be lit to do a final cure before that, but I've been assured that if you show up at noon you won't miss anything important.

-d

 

[DougSeward]

Deker, thanks for the update. Unfortunately my plan to skip work completely has been foiled. I still plan to bail at 2pm, with ETA around 5ish. I hope someone takes pics. -Doug

 

[butcher_block]

just put my brisket in tonight at 11

have a bit of corned beef going in when i wake up
not that i can hold a candle to your BBQ but i do ok

 

[deker]

Deker, thanks for the update. Unfortunately my plan to skip work completely has been foiled. I still plan to bail at 2pm, with ETA around 5ish. I hope someone takes pics. -Doug

I'll do what I can Doug. The camera is in the truck already, but nothing else is yet

-d