Hand Forged Classical Tanto & Fusion Style Takedown Knives

Traditionally crafted knives for people who wish
they could take things home from museums.

testimonials available work see the process

Charcoal Forged Tanto: hand crafted on Vancouver Island.

Historical Techniques

Hand forged with handmade charcoal, constructed and finished with historical methods and natural materials.
see the process

Traditional Tools

Human powered hand tools are used from the time the steel is first put in the fire through to the final assembly.
tour the forge

Charcoal Forged Tanto: hand crafted in Canada.

Reclaimed Materials

Steel, iron, copper, and brass are sourced from salvage and scrap wood for charcoal comes from local sources.
watch a tanto being made

"Dave’s work is something I have both followed and collected since I first discovered him. They are works of deep meaning, exhibiting elegant functionality with all of the core classical elements of feudal Japan. As a collector of high-value antique arms & armour, and also as a 3-decade student of Japanese martial arts (including the katana and tanto), I first encountered..." (read more)

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Heirloom tanto, traditionally
crafted in the classical style.

see featured work

Traditionally crafted charcoal forged classical heirloom tanto made by hand from reclaimed and natural materials using 13th century techniques and the aesthetic of beautifully simple design based on the Japanese sword.

Hand forged tools for adventure
crafted from natural materials.

see available work

A charcoal forged blade, water quenched with clay, sharpened with waterstones, and finished simply and humbly in the age-old style of farm and foresting tools used in managing satoyama, the borderlands between village and wilds.

New Release: 2011-2020 Portfolio Book: A Decade in Review

This documentary book project can be enjoyed by the collector, enthusiast, and craftsman alike. It contains over 200 curated photos and highlights more than 30 featured knives spanning the past decade of work at Crossed Heart Forge since relocating from Japan in 2011. Hardcover, A4 landscape coffee table size, full colour, 92 pages. (read more)

“It arrived today—absolutely gorgeous book filled with beautiful photos and very inspiring work!”Netherlands

“Thank you for the beautiful book! I love your work, and this book gives me a little peek behind the scenes and a lot of inspiration. Glad to have this one on my bookshelf.”Canada