You are cordially invited to attend the

3^rd Annual Big Sky Country Hammer In and Knife ShowAmerican Bladesmith Societies Northwest Hammer Inn

June 28^th and 29^th

Hosted by Josh and Jodi Smith

in conjunction with the

American Bladesmith Society, Inc.

Demonstrators:          Larry Fuegen, of Prescott, Arizona, and A.B.S Master Smith will demonstrate his unique knife making skills.  Larry is one of the foremost “art knife” makers today and as a top Art Knife Invitational member his expertise is without limits.        http://larryfuegen.com/  

                                    Harvey Dean, of Rockdale, Texas, and A.B.S. Master Smith is one of the most popular bowie knife makers today.  Harvey’s expertise extends far beyond his bowie knife popularity as well.  As a new member of the Art Knife Invitational Harvey will provide you an opportunity to learn some of his highly sought after techniques.

                                    http://harveydean.com/

Tim Hancock, of Scottsdale, Arizona, A.B.S Master Smith and an AKI member, is regarded as having the highest quality fit and finish of any blade smith.  His construction, design, and fit and finish techniques are admired by all.                                                                                     

Schedule:                    Friday, June 27^th                 The hammer in does not start until Saturday.  Due to set up                      

                                                                                                responsibilities for a separate event taking place Friday, the                      

                                                                                                hammer-in site will be closed until 6:00 p.m. 

                                    Saturday, June 28^th

                                8-12 a.m.  -------------             Bladesmithing demonstrations

                                                12-1 p.m.  -------------             Catered lunch

                                1-5 p.m.    -------------             Bladesmithing demonstrations

                  3-5 p.m.     -------------            Knife show open to public: tables will be set up in a tent and

                                                                  the public is welcome to attend during this time.

                  6-7 p.m.     -------------            Banquet at King Ranch golf course in Frenchtown

                                    Sunday, June 29^th

                                                8-12 a.m.     ------------            Bladesmithing demonstrations

* A forge and anvil will be set up to allow beginners to hand forge a blade under the instruction of an experienced maker.

Meals:                        Saturday a great catered lunch on-site and prime rib and chicken dinner at the King Ranch Golf Course are included in the hammer in fee.

The Masters:             Saturday night the Master Smiths in attendance will be asked to answer questions from the attendees.  Included in the evening, collector Keith Montgomery of Edmonton, Alberta will speak about the importance of forums in the knife world.  Keith, a respected collector, will explain the advantages that knife related forums provide the knife world.

Show:                          On Saturday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., a show will be held for the public, so please bring some of your work to show. A local newspaper is covering the event. (Your table fee is included in the registration).     

Location:                     Josh and Jodi Smith residence

                                                19495 Serenity Way

                                                Frenchtown, MT 59834

Directions:                  From Missoula take I-90 W to the Frenchtown exit 89. Turn left toward town and then right onto Beckwith at the stop sign. Follow Beckwith one mile, to the stop sign at Mullan Road. Turn right on Mullan, go one mile, and take a left at the Erskine Fishing Access. Go ½ mile, turn left on Serenity Way, and follow to the end of the road.

Contact Info:              Josh Smith

                                                (406) 626-5775

                                                josh@joshsmithknives.com

                                                www.joshsmithknives.com

Accommodations:      Accommodations listed below are in Missoula, 15 minutes from the hammer in site.  Ask for American Bladesmith Society group rate. 

                                      Hilton Garden Inn Missoula               406-532-5300

                                                  $99+tax.  The Hilton is brand new and a really nice hotel.  This is a great rate.

                                                  Ruby’s Inn Missoula                          406-721-0990 

                                                  $75+tax for one bed, $80+tax for two.

Car Rental                         I’ve set up a VIP price at 51.85 per day unlimited miles.  Call Karis at 406-543-3131.  

                                                  Campers and tents are welcome at the hammer in site.  Contact Josh first.  No hook-ups are available. The site will not be open for attendees until 6:00 p.m. on Friday!

Air Travel:                  Missoula International Airport is 15 minutes from Frenchtown

Attractions:                 Glacier National Park – 3-hour drive

                                                Yellowstone National Park – 4-hour drive

                                                Great trout fishing can be found a ten minute walk from the shop in the Clark Fork River.

                                                There are seven 18-hole golf courses with-in 30 minutes of the hammer in location.

Fee:                             Please submit your $135 fee early. A $40 dollar charge will be assessed to a spouse attending lunch and dinner.  Youth under 16 may attend free of charge.  Please sign the form below and mail your check payable to:

                                                American Bladesmith Society Inc.
P O Box 1481
Cypress, TX 77410-1481

Bring proper safety supplies including leather gloves, safety glasses, and ear plugs.