I held my first hammer in/ symposium on 6/7/08. It was truly a good time with lots of great folks and lots of great food. I don't think anyone went home without a full belly and a head full of knowledge. 

• Terry Griner demonstrated how to cast blade fittings in clay.
• Jim Green:talked about the history of the Viking era forge.
• Dan Chapman spoke on how to design swords from a historic standpoint.
• Mike Alexander demonstrated how to create Damascus patterns and welded up a billet he also showed us how to make those fancy mosaic pins.
• I demonstrated forging a Viking Seax to shape and how to rescue it when you and your apprentice are busier talking than minding the fire and burn away the tang.

 I put up video on youtube of Mike welding up the billet and then everyone else getting some hammer time. You can watch it HERE

I hope to have pictures of it when we are finished with it.
Scott Hogsten took a ton of great pictures which he posted on flicker you can view them HERE

I want to say thank you to everyone who helped me set up, clean up, donated coal propane and charcoal. I also wanted to thank everyone who came and played with fire and helped  make this day possible. A special thanks goes out to all the demonstrators who I really could not have done this without. I had a really amazing time thanks all for making it possible.