Crossed Heart Forge

Charcoal forged classical tanto & fusion style takedown knives crafted by hand from reclaimed steel and natural materials using traditional techniques.

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

testimonials shop online 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


Crossed Heart Forge, Island Workshop.

Traditional Tools

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

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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.

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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.

In the shadow of Mt. Arrowsmith, deep in a forest clearing,

away from the things of man, there is a place where blades are born of earth, and air, and fire, and water.

portfolio book

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

    $4200
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  • Inome Tanto

    $3200
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  • Field Kotanto w/Antique Fittings

    $1400
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  • Forest Kotanto w/Antique Fittings

    $1800
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  • Stream Kotanto in Shirasaya

    $400
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