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My wife, my friend David and I went to the Fort Boonesboro Hammer In Blacksmith event yesterday. We got a chance to watch a team of blacksmiths put together hardware for a wooden box. It was nice to see people practicing an age old trade. It’s not often that you run into someone that calls themselves a blacksmith. It is a dieing art. My friend David Poff is trying his best to learn the skills of the trade. He hopes someday to be able to make Mid-evil armor and swords. After watching some of the work being done, I too took an interest in learning more about the trade. Dave has been taking some blacksmith courses offered by Berea College. I think I might tag along to his next lesson.

If you’re wondering what is this Hammer In event? Well Hammer In is an event put on my the Fort Boonesboro heritage team. Each year in October a group of blacksmiths conference together at Fort Boonesboro. Fort Boonesboro is located in between Winchester and Richmond Kentucky, approx 20 minutes south of Lexington KY on I75. During the two day event blacksmiths show off their skills to the public as they work on a group project. They each take turns building something for the project. They also answer questions and show little tricks along the way. It’s a great way to understand more about the trade.

Like I mentioned before this year’s Hammer In event centered around making hardware for a wooden box. The hardware included corner rounds, hinges and handles. We were able to watch the handles and hinges being made. It was impressive to watch as the team put each piece together. How long do you think it would take to out fit a box with hardware? A hour? Let’s try at least a full day. The forge was in constant use. In addition to outfitting the box the team also demonstrated the tools used and some of the techniques. They also showed us how some of the tools were made and outfitted. One guy showed us how to take a piece of raw scrap wood and turn it into a nicely tooled hammer handle.

We also went around and checked out some of the other great things to see at Fort Boonesboro. We talked to a lady about turning wool into thread and yarn. There were some local tradesmen there as well. Much to been seen! Check out some of our pictures from the day below. If you’re looking to learn more about this event for next year, check out Kentucky State Park’s Fort Boonesboro Event Calendar for more information. We’re looking forward to attending this event in the future. I’ll try to do my best to post more often. It’s been extremely rough at work and I haven’t had much time to post. But readers fear not!