Ashokan Blade Seminar
The Ashokan Center — Olivebridge, NY
The New England Bladesmith Guild is a non-sanctioned shadow organization. We are dedicated to sharing knowledge of the history, manufacture, and use of ancient and modern blades.
Over 40 Years of Craftsmanship
What Will You Learn?
Spend a weekend or a day at Ashokan that will enlighten you on the history, development, and creation of high quality blades alongside master smiths, metallurgists, and historians.
- History
- Design
- Metallurgy
- Forging
- Grinding
- Heat Treatment
- Handles
- Finishing
- Marketing
October 16–18, 2026
2026 Demonstrators
Matt Gregory
Demonstrator
“How I Grind”
Forest "Butch" Sheely
ABS Journeyman Smith
“Tomahawk Forging”
Burt Foster
Master Bladesmith
“Leatherwork”
Rob Wayman
Rob Wayman Knives
“Complex Handle Construction”
Emiliano Carrillo
Historical Swordsmith
“Forge Welded Inlay”
Tim Zowada
Seminar Director & Master Bladesmith
“Metal Allergy Mayhem & Modern Heat Treatment”
Herb Kettell
Open Forge Leader & Bladesmith
“Blade Forging & Open Forge Program”
Ashokan Blade Seminar 2026
October 16–18, 2026 • Ashokan Center, Olivebridge, NY
- $400
Full Weekend + Bunkhouse Lodging
All demos, 6 meals, 2 nights bunkhouse-style lodging
- $215
Saturday + 3 Meals & Evening Program
Saturday Demo, 3 meals, and evening program
- $170
Saturday Day Pass
Saturday Demo, lunch, and all-day beverages
- $40
Sunday Lecture & Knife Show
Sunday Lecture, Knife show, and lunch
30+ Years of Bladesmithing History
Explore the Seminar Archives
Browse past schedules, demonstrator biographies, blade photography, lecture slide decks, PDFs, and videos by year.
2025 44th Annual Ashokan Sword Seminar 2025
Sword Forging, Koftgari, Viking Hilt Silver Overlay, Gold Gilding & HEMA Cutting
The 44th Annual Ashokan Sword Seminar focused on the art of the decorated and functional sword: pattern-welded sword forging, practical 30-inch sword finish grinding, Udaipur koftgari gold overlay, Viking-tradition silver wire hilt overlay, gold electro-gilding, bezel stone setting, long-blade heat treatment, European sword cutting mechanics, and XRF spectroscopy of antique swords.
2024 43rd Annual Ashokan Blade Seminar 2024
The Roman Pugio, Integral Forging, Non-Ferrous Casting & Hearth Refining
The 43rd Annual Ashokan Blade Seminar featured Dan Maragni on the Roman Pugio, Burt Foster on integral forging and lamination, Matt Gregory on grinding and aerospace handle composites, David Barnhill on non-ferrous blade casting and hard silver brazing, Zeb Deming on hearth steel refining and toolmaking, Kevin Cashen on alloy heat treatment, and Tim Zowada on shop safety.
2023 42nd Annual Ashokan Blade Seminar 2023
Pictorial Mosaic Damascus, Crucible Steel Metallography, Culinary Design & Blade Testing
The 2023 Ashokan Blade Seminar explored pictorial mosaic Damascus design and forging, metallographic experiments with Dr. John Verhoeven on eutectoid and crucible steels, culinary knife design, defensive handle ergonomics, pattern-welding troubleshooting, and empirical blade testing.