[George_B_Brackett_Jr]

Good evening!

I attended the Great Smokey Mountian Hammer-In and then went on to take the 2 week Intro Class at Haywood with Burt Foster and Jason Knight. They are both great instructors. Burt made two knives as part of his program and raffled them both off to the class members. In a later post I will show you the one I won.

I have never forged or grinded before. I got the bug and with Bill Wiggens help bought a gas forge. Then went to Kayne and Son to get hammers, tongs, gloves, apron, and a bunch of small things. On the weekend between week 1 & 2, I went to a tractor auction in Asheville and got a leg vise. I had a lot of fun with the guys in my class and have made some great friends. Oh, I also made a few knives.

David the Instructor for the HCC Blacksmithing program was a great help in advising on anvils and equipment purchase information.

On the way home to Florida I stopped by both Culpepper's and Pop's, had to buy supplies, spent quite a while at Pop's. He is great to talk with and his shop is in the most rememberable place (hope I can find it on my next trip to Georgia)

My next purchase will be a grinder, KMG or maybe a Bader (I'm headed to CA for a few days and need to wait till I get back so I can be home when it arrives).

As soon as I unpack I will post some pictures.

Met a few other members and the NC folks are very frindly!

Glad to be part of a group willing to share and educate!

[BrionTomberlin]

Welcome George and glad to have you on board. Sounds like you had a really good time. The class with Jason and Burt was a great one I am sure, both are really good instructors and people.
If you have any questions, just post away and we will do our best to answer them.
Welcome again.
Brion

[ABS Webmaster]

George welcome to the American Bladesmith Society and the ABS Forum. It sounds like you have seen the ABS' s mission of education first hand. Please post any questions that you have on the ABS Forum and I know our members will provide advice.