 Mustache Forge is located in Chandler, Arizona. Yes, it is hot and yes, we know ... it is a dry heat. Trust me, it is still hot, especially when standing over a blacksmithing fire. My wife, Tammy, and I have lived here for more than 14 years and currently we share our home with Jasper, our Blue Heeler and Syd, our desert tortoise.
I am a self-taught bladesmith and a journeyman blacksmith. I have been making knives for more than 25 years using both tool steel (stock removal) and forged steel (bladesmithing). I've been blacksmithing for more than 6 years and I taught myself how to make Damascus. I have sold my knives and Damascus billets to folks from around the country. My next big endeavor is to learn how to make my own steel (aka blommery).
I specialize in making Damascus steel and have made numerous items from Damascus including knives, jewelry, writing pens, and art. I am currently teaching a Damascus class at the Mesa Arts Center (MAC). I have also taught beginning blacksmithing and knifemaking at the MAC and will be teaching additional bladesmithing and Damascus classes in the future.
I use both a propane forge and coal forge to heat the steel and an antique Little Giant power hammer or a hydraulic press to shape the steel. Yes, I do hammer on the anvil on occasion but ... did I mention it gets hot here? I love the ring of the hammer on an anvil so I do it now and then just to hear that sound.
I currently work out of a small shop at my home but I leverage a good "working triangle" outdoors when working the steel. I am blessed to have good equipment and friendly neighbors who don't mind my puttering as long as I do so at a reasonable hour.
I love to blacksmith and work steel in the fire. I am passionate about all the things you can make and I am always eager to learn more and better ways of working with steel in all its variations. I am a member of several organizations that offer networking with others who share my passion for the craft. And when it comes to Damascus, I never get bored because there is no end to the patterns you can create.
Thank you for visiting my site. I'd love to hear from you. Let the anvil ring! |
