None of us would be where we are today if not for the craftsmen before us.

These words have always resonated with me and play through my head on a daily basis. Over the last few years they have gotten louder ever day to the point of taking something that I did part time for enjoyment to leaving a job of 17 years to risk it all as a full time blacksmith.

Lucky enough to be raised in a family that taught and valued hard work, I had great examples all around me. I was always taught that whatever you do, you do to the best of your ability. Faith, family and freedom are the core values that drive everything. I made my living with my hands for a lot of years and even though I worked in an office the last 17 years I always continued to work with my hands as an escape.

I have come to love Blacksmithing and the broad range that term covers. I love the history behind it and the importance it used to hold in every settlement or town across our nation. I hope to the honor the trade and carry on just one of our disappearing skill sets.