Knifemakers At The Metal Art Show In Wetaskiwin, Alberta

Been off the grid for quite a few weeks trying to stay on top of my summer work projects, both at home and at work.

The big project at work is the upcoming Metal Art Show and Sale. This is an annual event I’ve been coordinating at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, Alberta for the past few years. This time, it’s scheduled for the weekend of September 19 and 20, 2015.

Among the 45 metal artists who will be displaying and selling their work at the museum this weekend, 19 are custom knifemakers. They’re coming from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and even the Yukon. Here’s the list of to date:

Clare Broeksma
Irv Brunas
Bob Campenot
Darby Grady
Wayne Hamilton
Roger Hatt
Jay Kemble
Gerry Kievit
Greg Lightfoot
Vern Lynes
Allen & Susan Neal
Morris Nesdole
Rod Olson
Rob & Marilyn Ridley
George Roberts
Ed Storch
Larry Strandquist
Garth Thompson
Jay West

This is a terrific opportunity to meet some of the best in the biz and to get a close-up look at oodles of custom made knives of all sorts.

Add to this, a number of metal sculptors, blacksmith artists, jewelry makers, chainmaille artists, metal engravers and CNC artists, and you have an impressive line-up of metal artists who produce an eclectic variety of amazing art pieces.

I bring my wife out to this event every year and try to subtly hint that I would really love to own this knife or that knife and that Christmas is just a few short months away. Funny, at the end of the weekend, I’ve picked up jewelry, pewter bowls and other items that would make great stocking stuffers for her, but I’ve yet to find a knife under the Christmas tree.

Jim T

 

That's a bit closer to home. Look forward to it.

Dan

 

Whether you're displaying or visiting, the more, the merrier -- especially when it comes to knifemakers!

 

Put me down as a solid maybe. Pending SWMBO's approval.

 

I shall be there on the Saturday afternoon.

 

I wanted to say I had a good time at the show. Talking with Ed Storch and his advice on heat treatment was worth the price of admission. Wayne Hamilton and his fillet knife discussion was great. Roger Hatt blew my mind with advice on making different pattern steels. Of course Rob and Marilyn Ridley from Canadian Knifemaker Supply, but I missed Jim T. Happy news I hope awaits you and your family Jim. God bless.
There were many more and tables full of stuff, so forgive me if I missed someone.

Thanks to Jon (jonliss) who gave me a dual squirrel cage blower. So cool. I will make something with that for sure.

Cheers!

 

It was indeed a great place to get some inspiration. Should've taken pics. The rasp knives and railroad spike knives were great. The polished axes were great, I can't imaging the time and attention those take.

Thanks, Jim for this. Hope everyone is happy and healthy.

 

Thanks guys. I'm glad you enjoyed the Metal Art Show and Sale. I'm really disappointed I wasn’t able to make it, but on the plus side, I have a beautiful new baby grandson. I missed the Metal Art weekend so I could be up in Fort McMurray for his birth. I’m happy and relieved to say mom and baby are doing just fine.

It’s been a crazy-busy season at the museum and at home, but I’m hoping to finally find some time to get back to grinder again. Plus, I’m already starting to put together next year’s Metal Art Show and Sale and, of course, the more knifemakers in attendance, the happier I am. I’ll keep everyone posted on my progress.

Jim T

 

Congrats Jim! Happy to hear that Mom and babe are well. Maybe we'll see you at the next show. LOL

Dan