The Rainy Forge was founded back in 2016. I was out at my forge, which at the time was completely exposed to the elements, when it began to rain. This was the third or fourth time this had happened to me, and like always, I continued to work despite the conditions. It was then that the name hit me, “The Rainy Forge”, and it stuck. I’ve been making knives for far longer, but with the birth of the name, came the birth of an idea. I wanted to make knives for the modern era, but to pay homage to my Okinawan and Irish heritage.
Predominantly, I work with a coal forge, and use my propane forge solely to do heat treatments. When knives are headed in a coal fire, sections of the blade can be hundreds of degrees different in temperature, which is not ideal for hardening. When heated in a propane forge, knives are easier to get to a uniform temperature. All of my knives are hardened to around 60HRC and tempered back depending on the intended purpose of each knife. Everything I make is unique and should be seen not only as a functioning tool, but as a piece of art. My knives come with a lifetime warranty, as well as my leatherwork, and are meant to be treasured as heirlooms and passed down through the generations as knives used to be.
A Lifestyle, An Artform
Making knives, for me, is more than just a hobby or career. The art of knife making has always been something that has driven me. When guys say they have caught the “blacksmithing bug”, that’s no joke. Doing things the way blacksmiths have done for millennia is both humbling and rewarding. I am enamored with the “old way” of doing things, and yearn for the time when craftsmanship, pride, and integrity were the law of the land. The skill and attention to detail that smiths of old had for the craft is beyond admirable. Like all things in life, if we learn to slow down and appreciate the little things, and focus on the fine details as well as the bigger puzzle, life becomes much more worth livin.
My goal is to purchase a small homestead and land, and to recreate an 1800s style blacksmith shop, with a few minor modern amenities, and to keep the craft alive for future generations.
A Song of Steel
I work with all high carbon steels I can get my hands on. High carbon is easier to work with and to heat treat than stainless, and I personally prefer it in performance as well. My knives are razor sharp, and tempered for the task at hand. Campers, EDCs, and hunters are designed to be work knives, strong and sturdy, and designed to not chip or break, unless abused. Knives should be treated with the respect they deserve, if you are looking for something to beat up and destroy, a $20 Walmart knife will suit you better than one of my handmade pieces. Although, I have every confidence that my knives would easily beat any mass produced blade you can find. My favorite steels to work with are 5160 (spring steel), W2, 1084, 15N20, and 80CRV2. Recycled files are also a joy to work with, as well as good quality lawn mower blades, and old tools.
Follow My Journey
If you want to learn more about the knife making process, you can follow me on any of my social media accounts. I try to keep regular updates on the goings on in the workshop, and always post some masterful photos of my work.
