Skip to main content
0
Category

In the workshop

Aug 19
Love6

By In the workshop

It’s Friday. A good time to share what’s new.

For the last 4 years, I’ve been working out of my home workshop, and it has been a wonderful experience. As my designs developed and became more complex, I’ve found that I needed to grow with tools and processes. Space in my workshop did not grow with the addition of those tools.

I’m proud to share that over 2 weeks or so, I’ve been moving my workshop in addition to working on blades.

My new location is a much larger work space that allows me to bring all my crafting into the same space (forging, handles, adornment, honing, leather work, etc).

This has been one of the biggest boosts to my productivity, and many of the new projects on the horizon are becoming a reality, while existing work is getting done much, much faster (with noticeable improvements in quality and joy in the crafting).

Before long, I hope to add a very humble showroom, and for the first time ever, invite guests to get their blade in person. I have blades to make, but when I feel responsibly caught up, I’ll be making these improvements and announcing.

My new workshop is in an industrial area, and I do believe I’m the only blacksmith among all the automotive craftsmen…. makes for good neighborly coffee chat.

Looking forward to sending out more fine steel, and hope you have a great weekend.

-Christopher

Vintage Pressed Horn Straight Razor
Jul 03
Love4

The Efreet

By In the workshop
5/8 "The Efreet" Forge Finished, Wedge Grind, Yūrei-zu” finish - Custom Straight Razor

Really wanted to make a sleek everyday shaver that is looked a bit like glowing brimstone, dark, menacing, and when all done, I added the crown and called it the Efreet. Really enjoy the look of a grizzled, fiery profile, my Yūrei-zu finish, and a set of black scales with green g10 wedge.

The blade is 5/8″+ wide, gliding through the toughest of beards with agile and smooth shaving. It has a slight smile and keen bevel. The forge finished shank is black with markings from my hammer and anvil. To me, this trademark of my custom work shows all the craft involved in making this piece from start to finish, anvil to sharpening stone.

The forgework and unique jimping (notches at shank) also makes this piece an absolute joy to shave with and hold in the hand.

 

5/8 "The Efreet" Forge Finished, Wedge Grind, Yūrei-zu” finish - Custom Straight Razor
5/8 "The Efreet" Forge Finished, Wedge Grind, Yūrei-zu” finish - Custom Straight Razor
5/8 "The Efreet" Forge Finished, Wedge Grind, Yūrei-zu” finish - Custom Straight Razor
5/8 "The Efreet" Forge Finished, Wedge Grind, Yūrei-zu” finish - Custom Straight Razor
5/8 "The Efreet" Forge Finished, Wedge Grind, Yūrei-zu” finish - Custom Straight Razor
Apr 23
Love1

Shop Update – What’s going on

By In the workshop

A great week.

Forgings flowed out nicely, sent some excellent grinds home. It’s spring, and the anvil is ringing while the birds are chirping.

With this excellent break in the winter, I’m going to try to be in the shop as much as possible, so if communication is slow, please forgive me as I’m usually at some equipment that keeps me from checking messages.

This piece featured a very nice knot in some ironwood. Another fresh shaver that I’m happy is in a collection.

Mar 21
Love4

Shop Update: Working Hard, Check in on your Blade any Time.

By In the workshop
Shop update:
 
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been catching up on orders, and spending good time in the workshop to get everyone their fine steel.
 
I did get behind, and I’m working very hard to catch up.
 
The time away from my workshop was longer and more delaying than expected, and rebounding has been more difficult than I imagined – this work is quiet solitary, and some days it’s not easy to be working alone, in quiet.
 
Though recent times have been a bit difficult for me and my shop, I’m proud to say that work is leaving of higher quality than before, and well worth the wait (I sincerely hope!).
 
I appreciate everyone’s understanding as I rebound from taking those weeks off to be with my father, and if there is ever any concern with your order please don’t hesitate to check in.
 
Razor crafting is best done slow and meticulously, and the results are well worth the time, and I’m putting much good into this steel so it’s enjoyed and passed down generation to generation.
 
Best,
 
-Christopher
Feb 06
Love14

Thank you, to all my customers, friends.

By In the workshop

My dad has passed away.

Everyone has been an incredible support to him, me, and my family.

To my customers who has had their project slow down, orders shipped late, who reached out, related, sent stories and support, who understood all that this has done to me and my work – thank you.

Your compassion helped me keep my shop around, keep good steel shipping out, and helped me honor my dad in the best way I know how. But most of all, you gave me time with my dad when I wasn’t sure how much I would have.

This is a gift that I can never repay, but will be sure to honor it as best I can.

In spirit, my dad is now in the workshop with me all the time, and we have a lot of work to do, and we can’t wait to do it.

Your friends,

-Christopher & Braden

 

Jan 29
Love4

Back to Full Time

By In the workshop
I’ve been slowly getting back to full days in the workshop, and I greatly appreciate everyone’s understanding as I spend time with my father and family as he goes through his sickness, and as I resume my normal work schedule.
 
For folks with current blades in my queue: If you’d like to check in on a blade you’ve commissioned, talk about about progress, and see where everything is at, I’m happy to share what’s going on. I often slow a bit around christmas, and having this event take me out of the workshop soon after the holiday created quite the delay, and I’m very sorry. I should be back on track shortly.
 
Being able to do this work is one of my greatest joys, and sharing many of the skills my father passed down to me gives great meaning to what he’s currently enduring.
 
And above all else, I’ll alway take care of you and our project, so don’t hesitate to check in with me, as I’m here to help.
 
Best,
 
-Christopher