We Are Moving Shop!

After several years hiatus in Japan, it was time to pack up the tools from cold storage in Canada, dust off the anvil, set up shop on Vancouver Island, Canada, and get the fire going. We are packing up house here in… Continue reading →

A Call for Submissions

Dave enjoys collecting old tools and reusing found materials for his projects. If you are in the area, let us know if you have some high carbon steel, wrought iron, hardwood, lumber, or interesting blacksmithing, farm, or wood working tools that need a caring home.

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Sustainable ‘Smithing?

One of the draws of this type of craftsmanship is the deeply ingrained appreciation for ‘real’ and natural materials and simple methods. Many of the shop operations depend on human power and handwork. The charcoal fuel for forging is made from reclaimed… Continue reading →

Handcrafted Knives

Inspired by the Japanese art of swordsmithing, Dave began making knives in 1990. His approach brings together a fusion of cultural and artistic styles from his experiences in Africa, North America, and Asia. Highlighting the potential for creative transformation in discarded objects,… Continue reading →

Ornamental Ironwork

1992 marked the completion of an intense short-term foundation course under a skilled career blacksmith. The next decade was focused on furthering the skill set for creating chandeliers, furniture, utensils, candle holders, and other useful decorative items while developing knifemaking skills on… Continue reading →

D.i.y. Technology

Blacksmithing is a unique craft with the ability to produce and modify its own tools. Understanding of various properties of wood and metals have led to applications in several areas including interior design, playspaces, pyrotechnics, tool repair, and skateboarding.

Mini Brass & Ebony Spring Folder

This began as a prototype and was my first attempt at a folding knife. Due to the small size of the piece I opted for a spring-tension lock system rather than an actual lock. This is quite a bit more complex than… Continue reading →

Linen Micarta Integral

*UPDATE* this knife was stolen from our vehicle January 19, 2018. If seen or found on the market please notify or return to its original home. I made this knife in 1996 at the age of 18. I wanted to continue to… Continue reading →

Haik Integral Survival

This knife was custom designed with a client who was headed overseas. An ambitious project, the entire knife was forged and ground from a solid overload spring from a truck. The client wanted a heavy bowie style knife that was near indestructible… Continue reading →

Pakkawood Clip Point

Reclaimed agricultural steel, a fused bronze guard pattern, and multi-colour hardwood laminate. The shape is based on a traditional design for an all-purpose companion knife. It is large enough to meet most tasks while eliminating excess weight and bulk. The full hidden… Continue reading →

Ebony & Horn Drop Point Skinner

This is a piece from when I was first experimenting with the traditional Japanese method of clay-tempering blades (yaki-ire) in the early 1990’s. A thin clay mask creates dual temperature zones in the quenching bath, leaving the blade harder at the edge… Continue reading →

Heritage Wagon Spring Integral

This piece of steel, bone handle material, steel wire pins, and its weathered mounting board came from the dusty remains of a homestead in Saskatchewan, Canada. Around the turn of the century the blade would have served as a leaf-spring on a… Continue reading →