Three days of fire, skill, and legends at the forge.
Celebrating the History of AACB Conferences
Explore the demonstrations, workshops, vendors, family programs, photos, and memories that have brought the Appalachian Area Chapter of Blacksmiths community together through the years.
2026 Conference
The 2026 AACB Conference brought together skilled artisans, enthusiastic learners, and family participants for a full 3 days of hands-on demonstrations, family programs, and workshops.
Featured Demonstrators
Ben Abbott — Knife/Blade Making
Terry Sheridan — Baroque Style Elements
AACB Member Demonstrators
Alan Eldred/Chuck Henderson — Traditional Joinery
Herb Gravitt — Yellin-Style Rosette
Teaching Workshops
Jason Bevins/Jay Replogle — Knife Making Class
Craig Hines — Hacksaw Making Class
Brazeal — Animal Head Making Class
WACKY Institutes School of Blacksmithing
Brian & Ed Brazeal with Josh Perkins —Wacky Onsite Forging
Family Programs
Mary Kearney — Landscape Weaving Class
Paula Butler — Cheese Marking Class
Brooke Busbee — Drawing Class
Conference Chairman
Clint “Buzz” Busbee
Auctioneer
Rob Robinson
Thank you to our sponsor vendors:
Blacksmith Supply
Fiery Furnace Forge
Blue Moon Press
Thank you to our sponsor:
2024 Conference
The 2024 AACB Conference featured an expanded educational lineup, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly programming, offering something for every member of the AACB community.
Featured Demonstrators
Tal Harris — Traditional Ironwork
Roy Adams — Baroque Style Elements
AACB Member Demonstrators
Jack Wheeler — Jack’s Famous Tongs
Jay Replogle — Knife Making
Johnny Woolsey — Patina Processes
New in 2024: Teaching Workshops
Mark Aspery — Five Workshops, Four Processes
Family Programs
Barbara Boone — Basking Weaving
Conference Chairmen
Clint “Buzz” Busbee
Ron Nichols
Auctioneer
Alfred McClure
2022 Conference
The 2022 AACB Conference marked a welcome return to in-person gathering, featuring traditional skills, member demonstrations, and the camaraderie the AACB community is known for.
Featured Demonstrators
Dave Custer — Colonial Toolmaking
Matt Jenkin — Traditional Blacksmithing
AACB Member Demonstrators
Michael Brown — Primitive Knife Making
Mike LaMarre — 1,000 Twist
Rom Robinson — Tomahawks
Family Programs
Granville Broom Works — Broom Making
Brooke Busbee — Drawing Class
Conference Chairmen
Clint “Buzz” Busbee
Ron Nichols
Auctioneer
Alfred McClure
View 2022 Conference Photos
2018 Conference
The 2018 AACB Conference brought together experienced demonstrators and dedicated leadership for another successful gathering focused on skill-sharing and fellowship.
Demonstrators
Brent Bailey
Doug Merkel
Greg Waddell
John Taylor (assisted by Clay Spencer)
Conference Chairmen
Clint “Buzz” Busbee
Ron Nichols
Auctioneer
Anthony Goodrum
2020 Conference
The 2020 AACB Conference was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and was canceled.
None (COVID-19)
Conference Chairmen
Clint “Buzz” Busbee
Ron Nichols
2016 Conference
The 2016 AACB Conference featured a strong lineup of demonstrators and continued the tradition of shared knowledge, craftsmanship, and community.
Demonstrators
Mark Aspery
Susan Hutchinson
Julie Clark
Larry Cole
Dan Pelletier
Samuel Stoner
Conference Chairmen
Clint “Buzz” Busbee
Ron Nichols
Auctioneer
Anthony Goodrum
If you have 2014 Conference photos, please email them to
aacbnewsletter65@gmail.com
2014 Conference
The 2014 AACB Conference showcased a wide range of talent, hands-on demonstrations, and strong leadership, bringing members together for learning, fellowship, and tradition.
Demonstrators
Brian Brazeal
Elmer Roush
Dave Smucker
Mike Rose
John Willams
Gary Bowman
Jason Bivens
Broadus Weatherall
Lonnie Farmer
Conference Chairmen
Clint “Buzz” Busbee
Ron Nichols
Auctioneer
Anthony Goodrum
If you have 2014 Conference photos, please email them to
aacbnewsletter65@gmail.com
2012 Conference
The 2012 AACB Conference continued the tradition of outstanding demonstrations, strong teamwork, and dedicated leadership within the blacksmithing community.
Demonstrators
Steve Williamson
Ernie Dorrill
RCBA Members Striking Team
Jeff Henderson
Don Greer
Donnie Fergus
Conference Chairman
Ron Nichols
Auctioneer
Anthony Goodrum
The 2011 AACB Conference brought together skilled demonstrators, dedicated leadership, and a strong sense of community, resulting in an engaging and memorable event.
Featured Demonstrators
Clay Spencer
Johnny Kierbow
AACB Demonstrators
Danny Parsons
Rob Robinson
Mitch Latsch
Conference Chairmen
Bob Gillen
Ron Nichols
Auctioneer
Anthony Goodrum