3rd Annual Big Sky Country Hammer In and Knife Show

June 28th and 29th

Hosted by Josh and Jodi Smith
in conjunction with the
American Bladesmith Society, Inc.

Demonstrators:
Larry Fuegen, of Prescott, Arizona, 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 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, and an AKI member, is regarded as having the highest quality fit and finish of any blade smith ever. His construction, design, and fit and finish techniques are admired by all.                                                

Friday, June 27th
Friday will be a VIP special invitation day only. The hammer in does not start until Saturday. Due to set up responsibilities and a separate event taking place Friday, the hammer-in site will be closed until 6:00 p.m.

Saturday June 28th:
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:  display tables will be set up in a tent and the public is welcome to watch demonstrations during this time.
6-7 p.m. -------------          Banquet at King Ranch Golf Course in Frenchtown

Sunday June 29th:
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 catered lunch on-site and dinner at 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 and prominent member of Blade Forums, will explain the advantages that 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).

Auction:       An auction will be held after dinner on Saturday in order to raise proceeds to further support the event. Any donations would be appreciated.
                       

Location:         Josh and Jodi Smith residence
                            19495 Serenity Way
                            Frechtown, MT 59834


Directions:     Frenchtown is located just 15 miles west of Missoula, Montana. From I-90 W, take the Frechtown exit 89. Turn left on MT-263 toward town and turn right on Beckwith at the first stop sign in the middle of town. Follow Beckwith about one mile, across the railroad tracks, until the stop sign at Mullan Road. Turn right on Mullan, go one mile, and take a left at the Erskine Fishing Access sign. Go ½ mile, turn left on Serenity Way, and follow to the end of the road.

Accommodations:  All accomodations listed below are in Missoula, 15 minutes from the hammer in site. Ask for American Bladesmith Society Group rate.
Ruby's Inn Missoula- 406-721-0990
Hilton Garden Inn Missoula- 406-532-5300

Campers and tents are welcome at the hammer in site. The site will not be open for attendees until 5:00 p.m. on Friday! Sorry, no hook-ups or showers are available.     

Air Travel:        Missoula International Airport is 15 minutes from Frenchtown.

Car Rental:        Call karis at 406-543-3131 for the special hammer in/show rate. The rate is $51.85 per day for unlimited miles.

 Nearby Attractions:       Glacier National Park- 3hr. drive
                                            Yellowstone National Park- 3 hr. drive
                                            The Clark Fork River is a 10 minute walk from the hammer in that provides excellent trout fishing. There are seven golf courses with in 30 minutes of the hammer in location.
                               
Fee:                         Space is limited, so please submit your $135 fee early. A $40 charge will be assessed to a spouse or guest attending lunch and dinner. Youth under 16 may attend free of charge. Please  download and fill out the registration form 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. Here are a few pictures from last years hammer in.