Workshop Stories

When it comes to carrying a knife in the field, functionality, durability, and ease of access are key. That’s why I recently took on the challenge of creating a custom Kydex sheath for hunting and skinning knife. The goal was simple: to make a sheath that not only protects the blade but also ensures it's securely carried and quickly accessible when needed. Here’s how that project turned into a sleek, practical accessory perfect for the outdoors. Kydex is ideal for this type of project because it's lightweight yet incredibly strong. Unlike leather, it won’t wear out from moisture or heavy use, and it can be molded to fit the exact shape of the knife. This made it the perfect material to create something durable that would stand up to the rigors of fieldwork. For this project, I chose 1.5mm thick black Kydex for the main sheath, providing a balance between flexibility and sturdiness. The color was an obvious choice—it has a clean, sleek look that pairs well with the knife’s modern aesthetic. Additionally, I used a sturdier 2mm thick Kydex for the belt loop attachment to ensure that the sheath would be held securely on a belt during movement, without compromising comfort. The process itself felt like a blend of art and engineering. Working with Kydex is all about precision—you have to make sure everything lines up perfectly for a snug fit. I carefully cut the material to match the contours of the knife, taking into account the subtle details of the blade and handle. It wasn’t just about wrapping it in plastic; it was about creating something that enhances the knife's usability while protecting the edge. Once I had the material shaped and molded, it was all about refining the details. The edges needed to be smooth, not just for aesthetics, but to make sure there was nothing rough that could snag on gear or clothing. After the trimming and sanding, the sheath started to take on its final form—a compact, robust protector for the blade that looked and felt professional. The final touch was adding the Kydex belt loop, designed to keep the sheath securely fastened to a belt during hunts. It’s one of the most important elements of the design, as it ensures the sheath stays exactly where I need it, even when moving through rough terrain. The end result of the project is a sleek, functional sheath that not only looks sharp but performs exceptionally well in the field. The retention is just right—the knife clicks into place, ensuring it won’t fall out even if I’m on the move. At the same time, drawing the knife is smooth and effortless, thanks to the precise molding around the handle. If you’ve got a favorite knife or tool that you rely on in the field, a custom Kydex sheath could be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. It offers unmatched protection, a precise fit, and the satisfaction of knowing you created something built to last.

In the world of jewelry, wedding rings are more than just accessories; they symbolize a lifelong bond and a commitment to love. Our latest commission took this sentiment to a new level with a pair of exquisite Damascus steel wedding rings, meticulously crafted using wrought iron, silver steel, and sterling silver. This blog post delves into the intricate process behind these unique pieces, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship involved in their creation.  The Art of Damascus Steel Damascus steel is renowned for its distinctive patterns, reminiscent of flowing water, and its incredible strength. Our journey began with the creation of a Damascus steel block, composed of 66 layers of wrought iron and silver steel. This meticulous layering process is essential to achieving the intricate patterns that make Damascus steel so iconic.  Layering and Welding: The initial step involved stacking alternating layers of wrought iron and silver steel. These layers were then heated to a high temperature in a forge and hammer-welded together. This process was repeated several times, folding and welding the block to create a billet with a complex, marbled pattern. Forming the Ring: Once the billet was prepared, the next phase was to transform this block into ring forms. This involved a combination of rolling and grinding techniques. The billet was heated and passed through rollers to elongate it, followed by grinding to achieve the desired thickness and shape. The rings were then cut from the resulting strip, ensuring each piece showcased the unique patterns of the Damascus steel. Incorporating Sterling Silver: A Touch of Elegance  To enhance the beauty of the rings and add a contrasting element, sterling silver inserts were crafted. This process required both precision and artistry:  Melting and Rolling: The sterling silver was melted down and then rolled into a thin plate. This plate was then carefully cut and shaped into inserts that would fit perfectly into the Damascus steel rings. Forming and Soldering: The silver inserts were meticulously formed to match the curvature of the rings. Each piece was then soldered into place, creating a seamless bond between the Damascus steel and the sterling silver. This combination of materials not only enhanced the visual appeal of the rings but also added a layer of depth and contrast.  Finishing Touches: Etching and Polishing  The final steps in crafting these extraordinary wedding rings involved etching and polishing, processes that brought out the intricate details and ensured a flawless finish.  Etching: To highlight the distinctive patterns of the Damascus steel, an etching process was employed. This involved submerging the rings by electrolyse etching. The result was a striking, high-contrast pattern that emphasized the natural beauty of the layered metals. Polishing: The last step was polishing the rings to a brilliant shine. This process involved multiple stages of sanding and buffing to achieve a smooth, lustrous surface. The sterling silver inserts were given special attention to ensure they gleamed with a bright, reflective finish.  A Symbol of Eternal Love  The final product was a pair of stunning Damascus steel wedding rings, each uniquely patterned and inlayed with sterling silver. These rings are not just pieces of jewelry; they are symbols of enduring love and commitment, handcrafted with care and precision. The combination of Damascus steel's historical significance and the modern elegance of sterling silver makes these rings a perfect metaphor for a couple's journey together—timeless, unique, and strong. At our workshop, every commission is an opportunity to tell a love story through metal and craftsmanship. These Damascus steel wedding rings are a testament to our dedication to creating personalized, meaningful jewelry that will be cherished for a lifetime. We are honored to be a part of this special journey, crafting pieces that symbolize the beauty and strength of love.

Attention knife enthusiasts and history buffs! We're excited to announce a special order of Sgian-dubh commemorative groomsman knives. Each knife is hand-forged using the ancient San mai technique with a blend of wrought iron for strength and history, and carbon steel for modern resilience. These unique knives combine tradition and innovation. Contact us to discuss your bespoke knife-making project!

The winged spearhead of the 14th century is a notable design in medieval warfare, showcasing both the ingenuity of blacksmiths and practical battlefield considerations. Modern recreations of this spearhead are hand-forged from durable EN45 steel, with mild steel for the socket and wings, providing a balance of strength and flexibility. The wings serve crucial roles: preventing over-penetration, maintaining combat momentum, and allowing for weapon manipulation. Historically, such spearheads were essential during conflicts like the Hundred Years' War, used by infantry for defense against cavalry. Today, the winged spearhead symbolizes the artistry and strategy of medieval craftsmanship, appreciated by historians and reenactors alike.

In the annals of human history, few tools have stood the test of time like the axe. From the rugged wilderness of the Viking Age to the modern day, this quintessential tool has evolved but remains fundamentally the same: a reliable companion for both survival and craft. Our Forge Welded Viking-Inspired Axe embodies this rich heritage, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern materials to create a tool that is as functional as it is beautiful. The head of our axe is where tradition meets innovation. In this particular design, we use a combination of EN45 steel for the cutting edge and mild steel for the body. This strategic use of materials ensures a sharp, durable edge while maintaining the overall strength and integrity of the axe. EN45 is a high-carbon spring steel, known for its excellent wear resistance and toughness. It is the perfect choice for the cutting edge of an axe, providing the ability to maintain a sharp edge even after repeated use. This means you can rely on this axe for precise and clean cuts, whether you're splitting logs for the fireplace or crafting wooden tools in the wilderness. The body of the axe head is crafted from mild steel, which is more malleable than high-carbon steel. This allows for better shock absorption and durability. The combination of a mild steel body with an EN45 steel cutting edge results in a well-balanced tool that can withstand heavy-duty tasks without compromising on performance. Weighing in at 450 grams and with a total length of 470mm, this axe is beautifully balanced, making it perfectly suited to a wide range of outdoor activities and heavy-duty work. The head size of 120 x 60mm offers a versatile edge that can handle various tasks with ease.Whether you're maintaining a home fireplace, preparing for a hunting trip, tending to your garden, or engaging in forestry maintenance, this axe is designed to meet your needs. It's also an invaluable tool for scouts, bushcraft enthusiasts, and living history reenactors who seek a reliable and historically inspired tool.The Forge Welded Viking-Inspired Axe is not just a tool; it's a piece of history brought to life. Its design and materials pay homage to the craftsmanship of the past while providing the performance and reliability needed in the present. This axe is more than just an implement for chopping wood—it's a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring value of well-made tools.Whether you're a craftsman, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates finely crafted tools, this axe is a worthy addition to your collection. Embrace the spirit of the Vikings and experience the blend of tradition and modernity with our Forge Welded Axe.