Photos from the American Bladesmith Piney Woods Hammer In – 2015

ByJohn P.

Knife in a Forge
Last weekend I attended the American Bladesmith Society’s Piney Woods Spring Hammer-In at the Moran School of Bladesmithing in Washington, Arkansas. Being a member of the ABS and a bladesmith myself, this is just a fun, relaxing weekend where bladesmiths get together and swap stories and techniques – and it’s a wonderful time to hang out with some of the nicest guys I know in the world.

Demonstrations Galore!

One of the best parts of a Hammer-In is having real experts demonstrate proper techniques related to creating beautiful forged blades.

The weekend began with Mike Ruth demonstrating Basic Forging techniques.
Mike Ruth shaping a blade

We then had the pleasure of watching MasterSmith Jim Crowell show off techniques for Grinding and Polishing.
Mastersmith Jim Crowell Grinding

Later MasterSmith Lin Rhea demonstrated how to Heat Treat a forged blade.
Mastersmith Lin Rhea Quenching a Blade

Then MasterSmith Tim Potier started Forging a Hatchet!
Mastersmith Tim Potier Power Hammering

We wrapped up the weekend with Mike Ruth showing how to forge a giant billet of Damascus steel.
Damascus Billet in a Hydraulic Press

If you’re interested in learning how to forge a knife, just head over to the ABS website and look for the basic courses. I’m telling you, there isn’t a nicer group of guys anywhere! And you’ll have an amazing time learning this craft.

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John P.

John P. is a former CEO, former TV Show Host, and the Founder and Wizard behind Texas Metal Works. You can find him on X, Facebook and LinkedIn. Feel free to send shoutouts, insults, and praise.

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4 Comments

  1. Dear John,

    Great to see you again and get to spend some time visiting.
    Your photographic skills are amazing. Thanks for all the great photos.You got some really good ones of Lin and Tim and they looked great!!! The one showing the sparks hitting my faced while grinding were incredible as well.
    Looking forward to seeing you again.

    Best regards,

    Jim

  3. Years ago I had the opportunity to attend one of the bladesmith shows in Reno as it ran in conjunction with the SCI show. Every since I have longed for a quality skinning and small caping knife made out of Damascus Steel along with a quality hatchet to carry in my pack on all of my hunting adventures. I think I am a few years away from that set getting made but it will happen.

  4. Hi John, I enjoyed meeting you and your lovely wife in Washington. Great photography! Please sign me up for the newsletter or blog. I’ll also check out your FB page.

    Please email me a few of the pictures of me demonstrating heat treating. Thank you so much! Lin

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