Blacksmithing
and Cutlery
by Gérard HEUTTE
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Diary of events
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Throughout the year, some demonstrations give opportunities to:
- Meet blacksmiths and/or cutlers.
- See what is done.
- Discuss, chatter and exchange information.
- Buy supplies.
- Make exchanges.
La Fête du Fer
The "Festival of Iron" is a remarkable event at Paimpont (in France, at
35 km from Rennes), previously organized by Anne-Cecile
and now Nathalie. An excellent environment for this show of
blacksmiths and metallurgists. Here, not question of money, it
is a business of impassioned! Nothing to buy, nothing to sell,
no admission tax... Direct and simple contact between the
"exhibitors" and the public. Many interesting and likeable people to be met.
Especially do not to hesitate to contact the exhibitors to
discuss. We do not bite!
Beginning of the activities is saturday morning. The
forge and the iron smelters work late in the night! Then, run again on Sunday...
And also on this occasion, sometimes training courses.
Usaual date: The first ou second WE of July.
See the report on the
Fête du Fer.
BKS Knife Show
More known under the name of "Gembloux", the
Belgian city which accomodates it, this show is a sure value.
Moderate import duty (2 euros from memory). In addition of some demonstrations, one finds many cutlers
come to expose and sell their works. To note some suppliers of raw material
and tools. Excellent organization and excellent reception of the BKS (Belgium Knife Society)
and of Jacques.
Usaual date: Second WE of November.
See the report of "Gembloux"
.
Le couteau en fête
The "knife in festival" is at Nontron in Périgord (Between Angoulème,
Limoges and Périgueux), the streets of the city accomodate cutlers and visitors.
Some nice demonstrations and much stands held by cutlers from very diverse horizons.
Usual date: First or second WE of August.
Fèvres
The show of the trades of art of metals. Organized by the IFRAM (02.35.39.38.87), this show
occurs in Normandy. Many trades and craft industries of metal are found there:
Bronze founders, engraving, cutlery, artisanal metallurgy, ironwork...
Usual date: End of October.
See the report of
"Fèvres"
.
Festival du couteau d'art
The "Festival of the knife of art" is also known under the name of Coutellia, this
show is held in Thiers. Many exhibitors.
Unfortunately, not much of exchange in general (fortunately,
there are particular cases). It is clearly a trade event above
all. Beautiful things to be seen.
Usual date: Third WE of May.
See the pictures of
Thiers.
S.I.C.A.C
The Salon International du Couteau d'Art et de
Collection. This Parisian event attracts "high society". No demontrations.
Knife of art on the top-of-the-range (which will be more at ease in a window rather
than in a pocket or on a belt).
Usual date: End of September or beginning of October.
See the pictures of the
sicac.
And the others...
Yes, this list does not stop here.
Much other cities accomodate interesting shows:
Aubenas, Nyons (at the beginning of March), Lyon (end of November)...
I do not speak about them for one simple reason: I never went there!
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