HISTORIC AUBURN, CALIFORNIA
The Full Story
The Maker
Born in the heart of Gold Country. Preserving the lost art.
The Origin
Got into blacksmithing through fascination with history and a need to work with my hands. First class with John McClellan in 2018.
After that first class, I knew it was for me. Took several more courses while setting up a forge with my dad. My teacher noticed the passion and told me I'd "graduated to the school of YouTube."
Auburn has a rich history of metalworking since the Gold Rush—growing from a mining camp in 1849 to an official town when the Pacific Union Railway arrived in 1865.
Viking Heritage
Metalworking met artistry in Northern Europe in a unique way, going all the way back to the Bronze Age.
During the Iron Age, the first "Viking" style swords came out of Scandinavia, England, Germany, and France. The manufacture of steel led to bigger, more complex blades.
Culture and ideology were imbued into everyday tools and weapons. That heritage inspires every blade I forge.
Materials & Philosophy
Salvaged Steel
Leaf springs, railroad spikes, old tools, wrought iron. Every piece has history.
Local Materials
Handle materials from local arborists and hunters. The stranger the source, the better.
Upcycled Metal
Hand-smelted copper and brass from recycled faucets and fittings. Nothing wasted.
Natural Elements
Animal bone, antler, and locally sourced leather complete each piece.
Built for Life
Legacy pieces that will outlive you. Made to use, made to last.
One at a Time
No machines. Traditional blacksmithing techniques. Made by hand.
