2019 Seminar Overview
Tim Zowada will start things off on Friday evening with an introduction and a warm welcome. Tim will also be available to answer questions about the seminar scheduling and planning.
On Friday evening, Michael McCarthy will take a break from his duties with the Blacksmiths and share techniques and details of successful iron smelting.
Saturday morning, we will start off with forge work. Sam Salvati will be demonstrating blade forging, as well as the proper use and maintenance of coal forges. After Sam is finished, Pavel Bolf will use a Japanese style charcoal forge to demonstrate oroshigane. Oroshigane is the re-melting of iron or steel to adjust the carbon content.
As the forges cool down, kitchen knife maker extraordinaire Greg Cimms will show us how he grinds his blades for the ultimate in function.
Before we have lunch, we will be hearing from a new lecturer. Alex Gilmore is a well known dealer in Japanese natural sharpening stones. Alex will be teaching us about the history and use of these fascinating stones.
After lunch, Pavel will once again share his expertise in Japanese style work. Pavel will be showing how he prepares his blades with clay prior to heat treatment. The process is called Tsuchioki.
After Pavel is finished, we will fire back up the forges. Sam Salvati will be showing us forge tool ideas for knife makers. After Sam is finished, first time demonstrator Emliano Carrillo, will demonstrate forge welding and Damascus steel making.
After dinner, Tim Zowada will be discussing the fine details involved in making straight razors.
One of the most important, and often overlooked aspects of knife making is the heat treatment. Pavel Bolf will be demonstrating the Japanese technique of Yaki-Ire, the heat treatment of a clay coated blade, heated in a charcoal forge, and quenched in water.
Sunday morning, Dan Maragni will be sharing what he has learned about the swords from the Bog Finds.
The “open forge” has been a great opportunity for participants to share and learn forging techniques from some of the most experienced smiths in the business. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity both Friday and Saturday evenings. During the open forge time, Herb Kettell will be giving blade forging lessons to those new to knife making.
Thirty- Eighth Annual New England Bladesmiths Guild Ashokan Seminar – 2019
Friday, September 20
2:00 Gates open, registration, and check in lodging areas Lobby
4:00-5:00 Set up forges in demo areas Pavilion and tent
5:00-6:00 “Happy Hour”reception Lobby
6:00-7:00 Buffet Dinner
7:00-7:15 Introduction-Tim Zowada Lecture
7:15 – 8:30 Practical Considerations when Smelting Iron – Michael McCarthy Lecture
8:30-12:00 Open Forge/Blade Forging Lessons – Herb Kettell Pavilion
Saturday, September 21
8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast
8:30- Check in for day guests Lobby
9:00 – 10:00 Blade Forging and Coal Forges – Sam Salvati Tent
10:00 -11:00 Oroshigane – Pavel Bolf Tent
11:00 – 12:00 Blade Grinding for Kitchen Cutlery – Greg Cimms Tent
12:00-1:00 Japanese Natural Hones: History and Concepts – Alex Gilmore Lecture
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 3:00 Clay Application (Tsuchioki) – Pavel Bolf Lecture
3:00 – 4:30 Tool Making for Knife Makers- Sam Salvati Tent
4:30 – 6:00 Welding and Damascus – Emiliano Carrillo Tent
6:00 – 7:00 Dinner
7:00 – 8:00 Practical Considerations when Making Razors – Tim Zowada Lecture
8:00 – 9:00 Heat Treatment (Yaki-Ire)– Pavel Bolf Pavilion
9:00 – 12:00 Open Forge/Blade Forging Lessons – Herb Kettell Pavilion
Sunday, September 22
8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast
Check out from lodging areas before 10:00!
9:00 – 9:45 Swords from the Bog Finds – Dan Maragni Lecture
10:00 – 12:00 Knife Display and Show Dining Hall
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – Pack up and clean up demo areas
2:00 – Departure
