CROSSED HEART FORGE

Inspired by the Japanese art of swordsmithing, Dave began researching and presenting on the Japanese sword almost 30 years ago and study of the craft became a framework for his knife making. By 1995 he was demonstrating forging at events and teaching his first blacksmithing students. After living several years in Japan he spent a decade focusing specifically on studying classical tanto geometry, forging, mounting, and finishing techniques, applying them to his work... 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... He has been involved in designing and building several traditional forges, including museum exhibits, demonstrations, and an entire kajiba installation that included a timber frame building with earthen walls and charred cypress siding. Over the..