Tim Zowada will start things off on Friday evening with an introduction and a warm welcome. Zeb Deming will follow with a talk about what home-made steel is and isn't, and the correct terminology when comparing to ancient steels. Later on, Herb Kettell will lead the first open forge session.

Saturday morning, David Barnhill will take us through the steps of creating a complicated non-ferrous project. Zeb Deming will then demonstrate a crucible smelt. Matt Gregory will next share his experience using various handle materials. Ashokan chef Bill Waren and his staff will then provide a hearty lunch, and there will be an opportunity to purchase Bladesmith Guild merchandise.

After lunch, David Barnhill will demonstrate silver soldering, followed by a forge welding demo by Burt Foster. Matt Gregory will then take center stage with a blade grinding demo, and Dan Maragni will close out the afternoon with a talk on the history of the Pugio dagger used by the Roman army

After dinner Herb Kettell will demo blade forging, and Kevin Cashen will once again take the stage to enlighten us all about heat treating your nearly finished blade.

Topping off the evening will be our traditional memorial tribute with fine beverages and snacks for all to enjoy, and a raffle of a custom- made blade to support this special part of our program.

On Sunday morning, Burt Foster will be back on center stage with a lecture on running a successful custom knife business.

As usual, we will be closing both days with "open forge" time led by Herb Kettell and the weekend will culminate with a knife show. Be sure to bring your finest work to sell, trade, or just brag about! As always, tailgaters and venders are welcome at no additional charge.

Otto Engel of Innovation Forge will be our demonstrator.

For more info visit Northeast Blacksmiths web page. Registration opens August 4, 2024