Specialties & Services
Charcoal forged classical tanto & takedown* knives made by hand from reclaimed and natural materials using traditional techniques.
*What is a takedown knife? A relatively modern term to describe a feature that is central to traditional Japanese swords, a style of construction that allows the handle and mounting parts to be field stripped or removed from the blade for cleaning, polishing, or replacement, or varying use conditions.
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, most of his raw material is sourced from worn out tools, farm machinery, and sawmill equipment. Even the softwood charcoal that fuels the forge is made by hand in a charcoal kiln from scrap wood.
Based out of Crossed Heart Forge in central Vancouver Island, Canada, Dave hand forges reclaimed carbon steel into blades, using techniques of the Japanese classical tradition to turn rusty scrap and natural materials into collectable heirlooms.
My goal as an artist is to explore transformative process by creating knives from natural and reclaimed materials. My approach as a craftsman is to work within the creative constraints of the classical tanto form and nihonto handle mounting technology, building on the foundation of 13th century Japanese swordsmithing aesthetic and technique.
About the Artist
Davej is an artist, designer, skateboarder, blacksmith, and general maker of things. He began blacksmithing in 1992 and spent a decade hammering on red hot steel to supply traditional ornamental ironwork to boutique shops in Calgary. He also spent several years in Japan, building skateboard ramps and teaching skateboarding, teaching art and web development at a design college and international school, getting married, and absorbing some of the local aesthetic and approach to craft.
He is currently working in the shadow of Mt.Arrowsmith on Vancouver Island under the banner of Crossed Heart Forge. Using construction scraps to produce handmade charcoal for fuel, he enjoys working to turn unloved metal and discarded fittings into useful and artistic works.
A Brief History
Read the intriguing details of ‘smithing in Amish country, trading handmade knives for tools, and creating functional iron sculpture for a Canadian icon from back in the ‘eighties. Check it out…
