Our grandson, Avery, and I just returned from the November meeting of the Georgia Custom Knifemakers' Guild. Even though it was a little emotional for me it was good to be back among the many friends John and I have across the state in the knifemaking community. It was great to see Carl, Brent, The Twins, Old Grinder, Don, Mr. Bill, David, James, and Jamey--just to mention a few of the 35-40 folks in attendance. Don really went all out hosting us and lunch was nothing short of absolutely delicious!!! Don how did you know John's favorite dessert was banana pudding?

After the Directors met, Carl got the ball rolling with the general meeting:
http://www.poythresscustomknives.com/images/GaGuild/2005NovMtg/meeting1.jpg

Please forgive me for not remembering the name of the young man demonstrating grinding with "a hog" but it was quite impressive:
http://www.poythresscustomknives.com/images/GaGuild/2005NovMtg/Meeting2.jpg

Kathleen even tried her hand at the hog---but only after we located the nearest hospital
http://www.poythresscustomknives.com/images/GaGuild/2005NovMtg/Meeting3.jpg

Iron in the Hat had lots of "treasures" on the table and Avery came home with handle material and a very special Christmas present for his mom.

After lunch James gave us all a first hand look at just how "easy" ;) it is to scrimshaw. He made it look so easy I almost am tempted to pick up my scribe and try this again---like I said almost.
http://www.poythresscustomknives.com/images/GaGuild/2005NovMtg/meeting4.jpg

Avery and I had to leave before Bill Snow got into his demo. I apologize for not being able to stay for that. The day was so much fun and I am so grateful to the guys for making the day special for Avery. He is only 6 and it is so easy for memories to fade but today brought them back so vividly as he watched the grinding and saw all the sparks. He misses his "Pappy" so much but we had a good time on the trip home remembering his times in the shop with John. But before we could "remember" them, he reminded me just how much he is his grandfather's grandson---before we were 30 minutes outside of Columbus he was asleep and did not wake up till we were 30 minutes from home. :) Oh the joy of making a trip with the sound of snores coming from the seat beside me.

If you did not make the meeting you really missed a good time. Our Guild is passionate about passing our craft on and teaching it to any interested. We are committed to having the meetings around the state to make it easier for everyone to attend. Carl is doing a great job as President in moving the Guild in the direction that was envisioned from the beginning. Harry and Charlie Matthews are bursting at the seams with ideas to keep us fresh and growing. Brent, Alvin, and Wayne are as stable as the day is long in anchoring us as a group. Thank you guys for continuing on. John is very, very proud, of that I am sure.

Oh, and a look at the ability of our Guild to bring a vision to reality:
http://www.poythresscustomknives.com/images/GaGuild/2005NovMtg/Meeting5-f.jpg
This is one of the first pieces completed by Brent Fisher, our Treasurer. Brent and John met at a show in Savannah and a fast and sure friendship was formed. Brent has made trips to our home for tips from John but this is HIS piece. It is very striking. And the scrimshaw of the initials of the future owner makes this even more special. Only 2 more to go Brent!!!

The next meeting will be in February in Statesboro. Watch the forum for information as time gets closer. See you guys there.

Sorry I missed it..
We spent the day hiking waterfall trails near Clayton Ga.
Me and my kids...
Looks like a great meeting. Thanks Joan for the post.
Tell Avery hey for me.

John Costa

It was indeed a great time. Thanks for posting the pictures Mrs Joan. The "Hog Grinder" belongs to Justin Gingrich of Ranger Knives, right here in Columbus. I thought the demonstrations were excellent. Thanks to Carl's diagram, I might actually be able to finish the forge I've been working on. I've already started trying to talk the wife into a weekend in Savannah which just happens to correspond with the next meeting! See you all there.

It was indeed a fine meeting. Don Tommey did a great job hosting the gathering. Thank you Don.
Brent and I are always amazed at the new faces we see at these meetings. Moving the meetings around the state really helps us make contact with new folks in the craft. I'm beginning to believe that there are unknown knifemakers in almost every town in the State.

It was good seeing everyone and getting to fellowship, talk knives, talk art and talk sharing.
Harry and Charlie introduced a new twist to the Iron in the Hat event that really kicks the interest level up a notch or two.

You folks that left early missed getting to visit one of Brent's beautiful birds. Nice midsize hawk, not sure what species (he told me but I forget). Maybe one of the guys will share a picture of him.

Thank you Lord for letting me be a part of this fine group of people.

Yea, Carl that was one heck of good meeting. Great demos, great friends, and extra good food. From one Don to another (Don Tommy) Great Job.
Carl, I tried to attach some photos of Brent and his Falcon but I get an error message that my jpegs are to large, I seem to get that a lot ;) . If any one knows how I reduce the size of the jpegs let me know.........Don