On the first weekend in August, the time had come: Obermaiselstein hosted its first major blacksmith festival – and it truly had cult potential! Blacksmiths, interested parties, and countless visitors traveled from near and far to be there.   Organization and Participants   Around 30–40 blacksmiths from four nations were on hand and worked at the anvil until late into the night – despite the rainy weather, which didn't really bother anyone.   A special thank you goes to Franz Hiller, who organized the Blacksmith Festival. With great dedication and organizational talent, he ensured that everything ran smoothly – from planning to implementation. Supported by numerous volunteers, he not only made the festival a success, but also demonstrated how much passion and dedication goes into such an event and how blacksmithing is a thriving craft.   Young Blacksmith Course   A real highlight was the young blacksmith course with Peter Brunner and the professional support of Jonah Schefels. The course was booked out in advance – no wonder, as there was so much to learn: from working with the air hammer and practicing on the forging press to forging your own pliers and smaller workpieces, including a draw fork from a railway track. The induction device provided was particularly exciting, which not only fascinated the course participants but also delighted the audience. Above all, the focus was on the community of young blacksmiths – working together, learning, and having fun.   Angele Exhibition   Angele was also on site with its forging trailer and brought a large selection of tools, attracting both professional and amateur blacksmiths. Many took the opportunity to get tips or try out new things.   A large portion of the tools for the young blacksmith course came from Angele's forge, including the forging press and the air hammer.   Music, Food, and Late Nights   Of course, the supporting program was also a must: live bands ensured a good atmosphere, and the party continued well into the night.   To complement the event, there was delicious food from the "Klausen-Verein-Immenstadt," which provided visitors with excellent regional specialties and other classic dishes.

Rückblick AustrianSkills 2026 - in Salzburg   Pressebericht Erster Staatsmeister in der Schmiedetechnik bei den Austria Skills gekürt Bei den diesjährigen Austria Skills wurde erstmals in der Geschichte ein Staatsmeister in der Schmiedetechnik ermittelt – ein bedeutender Meilenstein für das österreichische Schmiedehandwerk. Nach drei intensiven und anspruchsvollen Wettkampftagen stand am Sonntag der Abschluss des Bewerbs fest. Am 23 November um 13:00 Uhr, erfolgte die feierliche Siegerehrung im Rahmen der Austria Skills – begleitet von zahlreichen Fachleuten aus der Metall- und Schmiedetechnik. Die Ergebnisse: 1. Platz – Daniel Forthuber Schmiedebetrieb Thomas Furtner – Oberösterreich 2. Platz – Paul Reisinger Schmiedebetrieb Peter Reisinger – Oberösterreich 3. Platz – Johannes Weber Schmiedebetrieb Günther Falkner – Tirol Die Kandidaten überzeugten durch herausragende handwerkliche Fähigkeiten, Präzision und Disziplin. Ihr Engagement zeigte eindrucksvoll, welch hohe Qualität und welches Potenzial im österreichischen Schmiedenachwuchs steckt. Dank an Juroren und Organisation Ein besonderer Dank gilt den Juroren, die mit großem Einsatz und hoher Fachkompetenz für eine faire und professionelle Bewertung sorgten. Ihr engagierter Beitrag war wesentlich für den Erfolg dieses ersten Schmiede-Bewerbs bei den Austria Skills. Ebenso bedanken wir uns herzlich bei Austria Skills für die hervorragende Organisation dieses neuen und wichtigen Wettbewerbszweigs im Bereich Schmiedetechnik. Dank an Betriebe und Partner Ein großes Dankeschön gilt auch den Ausbildungsbetrieben, der Firma Angele für die Bereitstellung von fünf Gasöfen sowie der Berufsschule Wels 1 für die komplette Werkstatt- und Schmiedeeinrichtung. Ihre wertvolle Unterstützung hat maßgeblich dazu beigetragen, dass dieser Bewerb auf höchstem Niveau durchgeführt werden konnte. Ein wichtiger Impuls für das Schmiedehandwerk Mit der Einführung eines Staatsmeistertitels in der Schmiedetechnik wurde ein starkes Zeichen für die Bedeutung dieses traditionellen Handwerks gesetzt. Die Austria Skills bieten jungen Talenten eine wertvolle Bühne, um ihr Können national zu präsentieren – und stärken die Zukunft dieses besonderen Berufsbildes. Rudolf Öhlinger- Bundessprecher der Schmiede Fotos: (c) SkillsAustria/MaxSlovencik/Florian Wieser

    Shipping Clerk (m/f/d) Office Assistant (m/f/d) Metal Worker (m/f/d)   More information at https://angele.de/jobs/

    We started our first experiments with OSCommerce over 20 years ago - this is what our first webshop looked like back then...   The last version has been running for almost 8 years now. At the beginning of the year we decided to completely redesign our webshop. We did a lot of things ourselves - and are actually quite happy with it. We hope that everything runs smoothly, if something doesn't work so smoothly, please be understanding and let us know so that we can fix it straight away

    Our senior boss Johannes Angele passed away on August 22nd after a short, serious illness at the age of 71.   After completing his mechanical engineering studies and various positions abroad, my uncle Johannes took over his parents' company in 1988.   He expanded it continuously and with a sense of proportion - and "on the side" he was active as a local and district councilor, was involved in various honorary positions, founded a publishing house and also wrote various books himself with references to his Upper Swabian homeland.   He never had an eight-hour day - and we often wondered how he managed with so little sleep. After a harmonious transition phase, he placed "his" company entirely in my hands 2 years ago.   I am grateful to continue to run the company in his spirit.   Niklas Wespel

 

    Metal casting - Introduction of casting techniques with different metals. The following skills are acquired: modeling molding into sand casting core creation melting process and casting of tin, aluminium, mass, bronze Amould removing finishing work   We will also cast with ECOCAST ® (Bronze).   Metal casting shows a completely different approach to metal than other forming techniques (like forging, milling,...).

  This forge event is part of a team-building measure under the motto "Creating something together".   The basis of a functioning team is trust. And a team only achieves top performance when everyone contributes to their abilities and the motivation for working together and the common goal are at the forefront.   Our blacksmithing team-building activity focuses on the collaborative forging of an object.   · First, the team defines the goal and discusses the process in detail. In smaller groups, the individual components are then created, ultimately coming together to form a single, cohesive piece.   · During the creative process, as in professional life, "complications" typically arise, and the entire team decides on changes and discusses their impact on the final goal.   · Thus, the motto "Creating something together" is central.   · The entire process is led by a trained blacksmith and museum educator, ensuring competent execution and flexible adaptation to group dynamics throughout.   This event focuses on the team and the shared goal. At the same time, participants gain insights into various work steps and basic techniques of a fascinating craft.   These include, for example, recognizing the correct glow colors, hammer handling, and the proper use of blacksmithing tools.     · Under the guidance of a trained and experienced blacksmith, everyone develops a feel for steel and learns various working and design techniques.   No prior knowledge is necessary for this event, but good physical condition is recommended.

  A day in the forge - this event offers your group the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of forging. You will gain insights into this fascinating craft and discover your creative side when designing your own workpiece! Experience something together as a group and strengthen team spirit. Here, too, we try to teach you the important basic techniques of forging and what is important. This event is an unforgettable experience for groups who want to experience something special and discover their craft skills or just have fun.   Flames, heat, ringing anvils and the smell of coal... Shaping the glowing material with hammer blows using sheer muscle power! This is how everyone imagines the work of a blacksmith and this is exactly how it is today. Forging is one of the oldest crafts and blacksmiths used to be found in almost every village and on every continent. Today, the profession is gradually dying out and the practice of this classic craft is becoming increasingly rare. The focus of this event is on the team and the common goal. Participants also gain insights into various work steps and basic techniques. This includes, for example, recognizing the correct glow colors, hammer guidance and the correct use of forging tools. Under the guidance of a trained and experienced blacksmith, everyone develops a feel for steel and learns various work and design techniques.   No special prior knowledge is necessary for this event, but a good physical condition is recommended.   also suitable for schools, kindergartens and large groups

    Flames, heat, chinking anvils and the smell of coal ... Using brawn to deform the glowing material with hammer blows! Everyone imagines the work of a blacksmith that way and that's exactly how it is today. One of the oldest handicrafts is forging and so blacksmiths could previously be found in almost every village and on every continent. Today the profession is gradually dying out and the practice of this classic craft is becoming increasingly rare.   As part of this forging course, you will learn various workflow and basic techniques. This includes, for example, the detection of correct temper colors, guiding the hammer and the correct handling of the forging tools. With an experienced and trained blacksmith, you will develop a feeling for the steel and get to know various working and design techniques.   Different workpieces such as bottle openers, grill forks, simple knives and much more can be forged. There are no limits to creativity here. No special previous knowledge is required for this course, but a good physical condition is recommended.   Protective gloves, safety glasses, ear protection and aprons are provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own.

    Flames, heat, chinking anvils and the smell of coal ... Using brawn to deform the glowing material with hammer blows! Everyone imagines the work of a blacksmith that way and that's exactly how it is today. One of the oldest handicrafts is forging and so blacksmiths could previously be found in almost every village and on every continent. Today the profession is gradually dying out and the practice of this classic craft is becoming increasingly rare.   As part of this forging course, you will learn various workflow and basic techniques. This includes, for example, the detection of correct temper colors, guiding the hammer and the correct handling of the forging tools. With an experienced and trained blacksmith, you will develop a feeling for the steel and get to know various working and design techniques.   Different workpieces such as bottle openers, grill forks, simple knives and much more can be forged. There are no limits to creativity here. No special previous knowledge is required for this course, but a good physical condition is recommended.   Protective gloves, safety glasses, ear protection and aprons are provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own.

    Flames, heat, clanging anvils and the smell of coal... Use just your muscles to deform the glowing material with hammer blows! This is how everyone imagines the work of a blacksmith and that is exactly how it is today. One of the oldest crafts is blacksmithing and blacksmiths used to be found in almost every village and on every continent. Today the profession is gradually dying out and the practice of this classic craft is becoming increasingly rare.   As part of this blacksmithing course, you will gain insights into the basic techniques of forging. This includes, for example, recognizing the correct glow colors and the correct hammer guidance. However, the focus of this course is clearly on forging a small hatchet. The shape of the head can be chosen freely and individually and is only predetermined by the eye. Under the skilled hands of a trained and experienced blacksmith, you will develop a feel for the steel, forge the ax head from tool steel and then harden the finished axe. Sanded and set, you can then work with it right at home.   No special previous knowledge is necessary for this course, but good physical fitness is recommended.   Protective gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection and apron are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Schmiedekurs Freies Schmieden#Varinfo   Dieses Event richtet sich an alle, die schonmal bei uns einen Kurs besucht haben und gerne nochmals etwas kreativer werden wollen. Hier wird zu Beginn des Kurses individuell festgelegt, was geschmiedet werden soll. Wir prüfen gemeinsam die Machbarkeit und im Anschluss daran wird dies am Feuer umgesetzt. Wir schieden hier keine Damast-Messer oder Schwerter....   Das Material wird nach Verbrauch und Aufwand berechnet.   Schutzhandschuhe, Schutzbrille, Gehörschutz und Schürze werden gestellt, können aber auch gerne selbst mitgebracht werden.

Schmieden und Gießen - 2026   new course unit - planned for 2026

    Information: https://championblacksmith.co.uk/live-forging-student-competition-2024/

    Information: https://championblacksmith.co.uk/nbcc-judging-seminar-and-competition-saturday-9th-march-2024/

    Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/9164970276903115

9. Frühjahrs Ausstellung (DE) - 26 April 2025 Kulturwerkstatt am Olchinger Mühlbach, Hauptrstraße 68 Der Messerarbeitskreis Olching lädt ein zu seiner Frühjahrs-Ausstellung: 25 Messermacher aus Bayern stellen ihre neuesten Gebrauchs- und Sammlermesser vor; ausschließlich in hervorragender handwerklicher und künstlerischer Qualität gefertigte Unikate. Gezeigt wird auch das Schärfen der Messerklingen auf dem nassen Stein. Materialien zum Messer-Machen werden zum Verkauf angeboten. Während der Veranstaltung wird Kulinarisches im Rossstall serviert.   Marc Schauder E-Mail: mak-olching@web.de

    Exhibition + Workshops   From May 4th to October 9th, 2025, the copper town of Stolberg (Rhineland) in cooperation with the International Association of Blacksmiths (IFGS) invites you to the metal designer exhibition MetAlles - The Work of Hands.   This exhibition will cover the entire spectrum of metal design, from forged objects to metal artworks. The exhibition areas are the interior of the Zinkhütter Hof Museum, the Frankentalwiese and around the Bastinsweiher in the busy city center.   The copper town of Stolberg is planning a series of events for the duration of the exhibition. The sculpture NO HATE by the Austrian artist Bernhard Witsch will be exhibited, “Forging for Peace” by Alfred Bullermann and Tom Carstens will also make a statement in Stolberg and as part of “Forging with Children” children will also have their first contact with metal.   Further information: https://www.stolberg-erleben.de/metalles-2025     Registration: https://www.ifgs.de/events/kommende-events/metalles

    In Thiers, the capital of cutlery, the Coutellia knife exhibition attracts thousands of cutlers from all over the world every year who have mastered the art of knife making. For an entire weekend, the artistic knives reflect the entire culture of their countries of origin and are of course also available for purchase at the exhibition. In addition to artisans, Coutellia also offers industrial knife manufacturers the opportunity to exhibit and sell their knives. The cutlers can take part in a competition with one of their handmade knives. The program also includes a variety of animations, including a workshop on how to assemble a knife and blacksmith demonstrations.   The trip to France is definitely worth it!   Homepage: https://www.coutellia.fr

 Olomouckého Fortel (CZ) - 17/18 Mai 2025 7.Mezinárodní setkání kovářů "Olomoucký FORTEL aneb Hanácké kování"     Information: https://kok.umelecke-kovarstvi.eu

    Information: https://fb.me/e/85UwKW4ll

    Information: https://www.waterworksmuseum.org.uk/

    Informations: https://sites.google.com/site/ironsmeltingdays/home?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2yI2zz3VmP3kmrc4xCQDd7IuNGfCprGTxQRGyjL3Qq4_308IpuWrQyNRw_aem_2Xix2Nx42v1OheLh-Jvv7g