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Desert Ironwood Skinner
This project began with a knife designed similarly to a classic Russell knife and included some modifications such as a deeper and more even belly curve, and a higher, thinner bevel, as specified by the client. The raw material was a section of a huge bandsaw blade, 12″ wide, double edged, that would have run…
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Blacksmith’s Knives from Logging Steel and Rawhide
This type of integral design is based on a traditional companion knife made by blacksmiths in the previous century. The clay tempered blades were hand forged from a length of high carbon spring steel rod. The natural textures of the fire and hammer create the finished surfaces of the blade and handle. Material: Reclaimed logging…
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School Group Demo
A demonstration for a group of homeschool students and families at the Craig Heritage Park and Museum.
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Solid Wrought Spatula
A section of large wrought iron dock chain from Vancouver Island is hand forged in a single piece to create this kitchen tool.
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Party on the Drive
Crossed Heart Forge demo set up at Tigh-Na-Mara for the Resort Drive event. We were invited to participate in the first ever P-Art-y on the Drive event in Parksville on the ninth of September. Our booth featured a live demonstration of cold forged copper penannular shawl pins, rings, and bracelets and also displayed the hand…
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Lighthouse Fall Fair
Island Blacksmith creations and knife sharpening demo set up at the 42nd annual Lighthouse Country Fall Fair.
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Ulu Skinner Blade
This knife was a collaboration with Coastal Carvings artist Jeremy Humpherville who designed the unique shape based on a traditional ulu pattern. Jeremy has been saving a very special piece of walrus tusk which will be used for the handle. See more photos of the finished work. Forged from a reclaimed antique Model T leaf…
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Panther Valley Day
A photo of our minimal style portable set up from the demo at the Craig Heritage Park and Museum community event.
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Driftwood Garden Bird
A one of a kind piece of naturally sculpted driftwood is combined with hand riveted steel and set on a driftwood base. This is one of our first truly collaborative works, both of us putting in portions of the design and creation stages. Inspiration for this garden sculpture started with the Yellow Dedar driftwood for…
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Oak Nakiri
A charred Oak handle gives a rich patinated look to this compact vegetable slicer with hammer textured finish and inaka styling.
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Bike to Work Wrap Up
This Sunday (June 3) we will be set up at Morningstar Farm for the Bike To Work Week Community Ride wrap up event.
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Oval Pot Rack
Beautifully patinated steel and reclaimed farm equipment makes up this traditional hand riveted aerial kitchen storage system. This is my favorite kitchen rack to date. The colour and texture, the handmade rivets, and the heavy forged bar across the top all work together perfectly. The weathered finish is natural, a result of fire, hammering, and…
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Rail Spike Coat Hook
A repurposed railway spike makes a sturdy coat hook with plenty of room for hoodies, housecoats, and a parka. A friend issued a challenge when he found a discarded railway spike in an unusual location: create a useful object, preferably something other than the ubiquitous rail spike knife. The head on this hefty spike makes…
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Post Drill Repaired
Another piece of Canadian history is restored to working order and finds its place in the Island Blacksmith workflow. I have had an old hand powered post drill for about twenty years now, but have never made a hole with it. My long term list of things to do included refitting a modern keyed chuck…