Fire On the Mountain
According to everyone I spoke to, Western States Blacksmith Conference 2013 was a huge success.
I am busy working on the next issue of the Hot Iron News, but I want to share at least a little something about the conference. Throughout the conference there was so much activity going on simultaneously that it was hard to choose what to focus on. I moved between all the events, getting an overview of each presentation.
Below is a mere list of events and a few pictures. Much more will be available in the next Hot Iron News, hopefully arriving to NWBA members the first week of October, 2013. Look for more to come online as well.
The Demonstrators
Rick Smith – Repoussé design and techniques.
Bob Kramer – The art and science of blade making.
Maria Cristalli – Modern design featuring a variety of joinery.
Freddy Rodriguez – Animal heads.
Richard Sullivan and Jon Laubach – Forging a muzzle load rifle barrel.
AND
Hands-On Classes with Mark Aspery, Dennis Dusek and Gerald Boggs
Bladesmithing with Bill Burke, Shane Taylor and Dave Lisch
Blacksmith Wars – 4 teams battling for the blacksmith championship.
Farrier’s Competition – 3 days of horse shoe competitions.
Repoussé with Jack da Silva and Saign Charlestein
Glass Tile Making with Betsy Valian
AND
A very provocative panel discussion on “The Future of Blacksmithing”.
Galley
Daily Auctions
Saturday night banquet.
AND
Mount Hood in all her majesty.
Hope you were there, and if not, make sure to check out all our upcoming Events.
The Northwest Blacksmith Association thanks everyone who made this event possible.
For those of us who had to leave early on Sunday- WHO WON THE BLACKSMITH WARS????????
Oregon Team from Bend, Manley Men From Da Hood were the winners. And they were all winners, everyone finished there table, all lamps worked and the tables held 2 drinks and a remote. All the teams were cheered by the crowd. The tables auctioned for a good sum. More details will be in the next Hot Iron News.