North Bay Forge was founded in 1987 when my wife and I moved to Waldron Island. Toolsmithing held a
particular fascination for me in its technical metallurgical aspects because of my engineering background.
(I graduated from Rutgers University in 1980 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering.) I was absolutely intrigued with
applying theoretical concepts to highly refined steels that I could hammer on my anvil, heat treat,
and then run a myriad of tests to see which ones held up the best! Such was the beginning of my education in this
trade which has become my life's work.
Back when I had recently graduated from college, a fellow Engineer told me, “It’s the Metalurgical Engineers who really walk on water”.
That comment stuck with me and may be partly why I went into Toolsmithing – inspired to use the old methods of hand forging, with more
of an understanding of the metallurgy. I sometimes muse that I’ve taken that to another level that very few understand by focusing a
great deal of my life’s work as a Blacksmith on packing the grains of high carbon steel to provide ultimate edge holding -- as
I strive to walk above the water, and wander amoung the clouds…
After over three decades of making thousands of knives, I am still challenged to make the absolute best knives I can so that the people
who use them will be amazed at how well they perform - that is what keeps me going.
The most meaningful part of my business is having great customers who appreciate my tools.
Thank you all!
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