COLD SPRING FORGE
In 2018 I moved my workshop to a new location in Kaltenbrunn, a small hamlet outside of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany's Bavarian Alps. The name Kaltenbrunn can be translated to "Cold Spring" - a fitting name for this place tucked between the mountains and forests of the northern Alps.
The forge and workshop in Kaltenbrunn were previously operated by a family blacksmithing business that traced its roots back to the 18th century. I acquired what remained of the workshop, brought in some of my own specialized tools and equipment, and got to work.
This move represented a major exansion of my tools and workspace, and will allow me to improve both the quality and output of my work. Several new designs, patterns and processes are already in the works, and I'm very excited about what's to come!
I forge all of my own damascus steel using an assortment of pneumatic powerhammers, hand hammers, and a 30 ton hydraulic forging press. My primary heat source is a propane-fired ribbon-burner forge that I built myself, and I heat treat my blades in a digitally controlled electric kiln and specialized quenchants developed specifically for metallurgical applications.
Click the link above for more photos and descriptions of my forging and hot-working tools. I will update this page with additional photos and descriptions as time permits.
In order to achieve proper blade geometry each blade must be precisely ground to its final dimensions. Most of this work is done on one of two special-purpose belt grinders: a variable speed 50x2000mm belt grinder by Claryx Metal Works with multiple tooling arms and attachments and a direct-drive single-speed 2x48" grinder by Radiusmaster. Final shaping and polishing is done by hand with various files and abrasives, while drilling and milling operations are done using a small bench mill or one of two drill presses I have in the shop.
Click the link above for more photos and descriptions of my grinding and shaping tools and operations. I will update this page with additional photos and descriptions as time permits.