EDITOR’S NOTE: Last week, we broke the news of the abrupt cancellation of Last Blade Standing. The allegations surrounding the cancellation have deeply affected the bladesmithing community at large and can be found via a simple internet search. Considering the seriousness of the allegations and the fluidity of the situation, we at BRUTE de FORGE have an obligation to fairly and justly report only on confirmed facts. As there are many allegations being levied in this story, we encourage our readers to review the official statement posted on the Last Blade Standing web page as well as the social media accounts of the opposing bladesmiths mentioned within it. In the meantime, BRUTE de FORGE stands behind the bladesmithing community, and we choose to shine a spotlight on the generosity, selflessness, and charity of so many within this sacred brotherhood.

Once again, the bladesmithing community has proven to be “one-of-a-kind” as smiths around the country rally to raise funds for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Many smiths have put out calls on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, motivating one another to raise funds and send them directly to the foundation.

RELATED: LAST BLADE STANDING HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY CANCELED

This “call to arms” comes as a response to the abrupt cancellation of Last Blade Standing, a popular bladesmithing competition that was scheduled to kick off its fourth season this month. BRUTE de FORGE was among the first to announce the shocking cancellation of Season Four following weeks of build-up surrounding the challenge.

What happened to Last Blade Standing?

In the days following the cancellation, multiple allegations against the competition and its founder came to light, culminating with statements being released by both Last Blade Standing and several of the blacksmiths involved in the competition. By far, the most polarizing of the allegations was the claim that the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) never received the money from the auction at the end of last season (this article is not intended to address the validity of this allegation nor the timeline of any alleged donations). The point is that in a moment where anger and frustration could have easily taken over, it did not. Instead, the kids of the NPCF quickly became the focus of the bladesmithing community. 

After several phone calls and text conversations in the following days with bladesmiths and competitors across the country, it was inspiring to hear the overall desire to ensure the NPCF receives an ample donation. Some bladesmiths are placing fundraising jars at their tables and booths at shows and fairs, some are auctioning off blades, and some are planning events. So many different things are going on that it is hard to keep up with everything. But that might be about to change.

A Community rises up

Jacob Underhill, a bladesmith we’ve previously featured on BDF, has been working with the NPCF since the news broke. After several rounds of phone conversations, the NPCF has confirmed they will establish a webpage that allows everyone to see all the fundraisers and auctions held by the bladesmiths. On that page, donors will be able to donate directly to the foundation through the provided links. “There will be no, ‘the money is going into this account and then transferred to that account.’ None of that. This way, funds will go straight to the foundation,” said Underhill.

For his part, Underhill and the Bearded Brotherhood of Blacksmiths (BBB) in Florida are planning to host a big Hammer-In. The event will take place March 1-3, 2024, on Underhill’s property, which is approximately three hundred acres of old cattle fields and pecan trees.

The event will have competitions, classes, open forges, vendors, and a lot of camaraderie. “The goal is for everybody to come down and have fun for a cause,” said Underhill, “Your hammer-in fee is a donation to the [NPCF] charity. We understand that everybody's broke, so we are suggesting that you donate ten or twenty dollars, but just give what you can! We hope everybody comes down and hangs out, whether they're a smith or not. Come down, hang out, and enjoy the show.”

While plans are still being ironed out, the BBB hopes to have some blacksmithing competitions on that Friday where smiths with challenges based on varying skill levels. The products will be judged once the challenges are complete and prizes will be awarded. Classes will also be held with Jeffery McGuffey of MC Bladesmithing teaching a rose-making class, and Kirk Sullens will be demonstrating the art of creating animal head pummels. The Limp Brisket food truck will also be on the premises to feed everyone.

Leaving their mark

One of the most fantastic aspects of this event is that the BBB is asking all bladesmiths to bring their maker’s mark. Over the course of the weekend, a giant four-foot cancer ribbon will be forged by the smiths and stamped with everyone’s mark, with the ribbon being gifted to the foundation. The ribbon will be based on a design by Jeff Switzer of Brass Skull Forge & Knife and will give everyone present an opportunity to make a tangible impact on this charitable event.

Regardless of the details surrounding the cancellation of Last Blade Standing, watching the bladesmithing community rally for such a noble cause as the NPCF has been an inspiration to behold. For more information on the upcoming Hammer-in, be sure to follow Jacob Underhill and the Bearded Brotherhood of Bladesmiths.

BRUTE de FORGE is following this event and will report when the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation has activated the fundraiser tracking website. In the meantime, if you or anyone you know is having an event, auction, or fundraiser, please get in touch with us so we can help spread the word!

If you buy something through this post, BDF may get a share of the sale. Click here for more info.

TRENDING

About The Author

More Interviews