We have a robust lecture schedule with a variety of topics!

Patrick Nowak

Lecture: Wootz-Understanding the Metallurgy and Manufacture of the World’s Oldest Crucible Steel

Patrick Nowak started making knives by stock removal methods as a junior high school student. This exposed him to metallurgy and inspired him to pursue a degree in metallurgical engineering. While in college, he connected with local blacksmiths who taught him the basics of hand forging, bladesmithing, and making Damascus steel. After college, he spent 2 years working as a bearing steel metallurgist. For the last 23 years, he has worked as a plant metallurgist in an open die forge shop that supplies parts to mining, defense, aerospace, and other industrial applications. He maintains a well-equipped blacksmith shop at home. His primary activities in the home shop are forging mokume gane bars and running informal teaching sessions with friends, colleagues, and engineering interns.

Ric Furrer will produce a wootz bloom and forge a billet demonstrating the critical characteristics to make a finished knife.

More details to come!

Making a career in any crafts or arts discipline should be fun and enjoyable! Hear artist Paul Siebenthal discuss his work and personal experiences related to a life pursuing creative metals. Paul will present ideas and resources for artists, as well as a subjective look at public art and functional metalwork.

Join us for this Lunch & Learn opportunity! Grab your meal from one of the food trucks at the event. Table seating available.