BLADE Staff

R. Lee “Gunny” Ermey, who will appear at the 30th Annual BLADE Show June 10-12 at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta, made a special appearance in Chattanooga, Tennessee, May 13 to speak on behalf of a local policeman killed in the line of duty.

The policeman, Sgt. Tim Chapin, was answering a robbery call when he was shot and killed. The murder has resulted in an outpouring of concern from the local citizenry, and Gunny’s appearance was a most welcome one to a grieving community.

Ermey took the stage at a benefit for the Fallen Officer’s Fund sponsored by the Shooter’s Depot to raise money for the cause, specifically designated to the Chapin Family Memorial Educational Fund.

At one point Ermey threw an autographed football to one of Chapin’s sons, and addressed the family. “I know you will all keep moving forward and trying to make the best of it,” Gunny said. “All the best to you. God bless.”

Ermey will appear at the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools booth the Saturday of the BLADE Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to sign autographs and pose for pictures.

Today BR Hughes and Mike Williams of the American Bladesmith Society announced the names of the Judges for the 2011 Atlanta Blade Show judging for ABS Master Smith and Journeyman Smith ratings. The judging will take place on June 10, 2011 at the Blade Show.

ABS Master Smith Judging Panel
Steve Dunn, Head Judge and Alternate Judge
Bert Gaston
Harvey Dean
J.W. Randall
Mike Vagnino
Wade Colter
Jason Knight
John Horrigan

ABS Journeyman Smith Judging Panel
B.R. Hughes, Head Judge and Alternate Judge
Mike Williams
James Rodebaugh
Terry Vandeventer
John White
James Cook
Jerry Fisk
Brion Tomberlin

You can now purchase tickets online for the BLADE Show. Just point your browsers here:

http://bladeshow.com/ehome/21409/30568/?&;

We’re re-designing Knife Showcase, so please bear with us as changes are made.

Thanks!

-Ben

July 15 through 17, 2011

Offered by the American Bladesmith Society, Inc.

Hosted by the New England School of Metalwork

Location:
New England School of Metalwork
9 Albiston Way
Auburn, Maine 04210

For more Information:
Dr. Jim Batson at 256-971-6860 or [email protected]

Registration Fee: $55

Pre-Register and pay the $55 Registration fee online in the Store

or Cindy Sheely, ABS Store Manager at [email protected] or (419) 832-0400

Event Flyer: TBA

Demonstrators:

Lin Rhea, MS – Forging, grinding, heat treating a camp knife to pass the JS Performance Test

Christoph Deringer, MS – Damascus steel

Dan Farr, JS – Handles and Guards, Blade Finishing

Mace Vitale, JS – Preparing for the Journeyman Smith Test, Auctioneer

Butch Sheely, JS – Forging Tomahawks

Schedule: TBA

Accommodations:

The Fireside Inn, 207-777-1777, 2 double beds, $60 plus tax, Washington St, Auburn, ME.
Ramada Inn, 207-784-2331. 2 double beds, $85.50, 490 Pleasant St., Lewiston, ME

Cutting Demonstrations:

Participate in the Cutting Demonstrations. Bring a sharp knife, 15” or less in length
with a blade no longer than 10”. The handle should be pinned & with a safety lanyard.

Please Pre-Register:

Get your $55 Pre-Registration Fee in early and plan to attend Demonstrators Dinner on Thursday night.
Please mail registration form & check to the ABS Store
or register through the ABS Store on the website.