Agenda (Draft) for our English speaking friends
Hammer-In 2006 in Laubuseschbach
For two days Markus Balbach’s forge/smithy in Laubuseschbach, Germany will the meeting point for many well known blacksmiths, bladesmiths and artists involved in the art of forging and knifemaking, a number of them coming from foreign countries. The date will be on the 22. and 23. July 2006.
Through Markus’ initiative, almost 800 visitors from all over Germany as well as from other European countries were present at the „Hammer-In 2004“ and even more are expected to turn un this July 2006.
At it’s scenic location in the Taunus area we hope the visitors will enjoy good weather on the beautiful fields around the roomy smithy.
Not only the family Balbach will be active, but also representatives of the IFGS(Internationaler Fachverband gest. Schmiede-Intern. Prof. Smithing Society), IGDF(Internationale Gesellschaft Damaszenerstahl-Forschung-Intern. Soc. For Damascus Research), ABA(Australian Blacksmiths Association), BKS (Belgian Knife Society), DMG (Deutsche Messermacher Gilde-German Knifemaker’s Guild), NBTHK-European Branch (Nippon Bijutsu Token Hotzon Kyokai), and very possibly a Bow Shooting Club as well as many international smiths and artist working independently and not as part of an established organization, will be there. Steel smelting ovens will most likely be again built and run.
A very special highlight of the Hammer-In this year will be a Knife Testing Demonstration and Competition sponsored by the German Knifemaker’s Guild. Persons wishing to test their knives (also factory knives may be entered in the competition) will be given an opportunity to register. This activity will be non-destructive and is intended to be ‘fun’ for all. We were inspired by the American Bladesmith Society’s ABS competition in knife prowess. (The will be NO destructive testing done in the competition).
Furthermore, Dr. Herbert Weishaupt, author Jens Essig (TV Program TerraX) and Andy Haas will hold lectures on various subjects. Amoung the themes will be making of folders, as well as on antique european weapons such as swords, daggers and lance blades. Original weapons will also be shown.
Members of the Belgian Knife Society from Holland, Belgian and Germany as well as DMG and independent smiths will be forging untiringly until well into the night on both days on their self built field gas forges,
Their products, knives, hair needles and jewelry can be purchased by the visitors.
In tents, DMG and other knifemakers and artists can present their wares. Many visitors will be confronted for the first time with the fact that a fancy handmade knife could cost several thousand dollars.
Speicial attraction as part of a Japanese evening theme on the 22nd will be
- Japanese Swordsmanship demonstration
- an open air Japanese film shown in the evening
- Sushi meal (must be preordered)
More to follow !!!
For more info watch this spot or contact:
Markus Balbach
Blacksmith-Knifemaker/Kunstschmied
Heinrich-Wörner-Str. 3
35789 Weilmünster-Laubuseschbach
GERMANY
balbach.damastREMOVEMEFIRST@t-online.de
Tel.: +49-6475-8911