What type of Finish do you use on your products?

I utilize two different finishes, depending up on the product:

If you have purchased ironwork that will be in contact with food, I utilize either 100% Pure beeswax - or a food grade oil (sunflower or flax cooking oil) this is completely safe for contact with food.

If you have purchased lighting, hardware, or any other item specifically noted with a “Traditional Blacksmith’s finish”, this consists of either a boiled linseed oil (NOT food safe) or a combination of boiled linseed oil, beeswax, and turpentine - THIS CANNOT BE USED FOR ANY FOOD PREPARATION AND/OR CONATACT WITH FOOD!

how do I care and/or maintain my products?

Although your products have a naturally superior finish applied straight from the forge, best practice is to utilize the following approach to the finishes I apply:

1: if your product has a FOOD GRADE, 100% Pure Beeswax or cooking oil finish - you’ll want to utilize a thin coat of cooking oil to keep your product from rusting. I recommend following the same procedures for seasoning cast iron….

2. If you have a “Traditional Blacksmith’s finish”, you should apply Olde English furniture polish (NOT FOOD SAFE!) once a year.

Do you take “Apprentices” / Can I learn blacksmithing from you?

I do not currently teach any private lessons, nor do I take “apprentices” at my personal shop. I do, however, demo and teach at the local regional groups via NCABANA (Triangle Blacksmiths Guild at Heritage Forge, located at the NC State Fair and the new Sandhills Blacksmith Guild located at Carthage Forge in Carthage, NC); I’m more than happy to teach you personally in this setting. You can always reach out about any questions you may have, as well as availability at upcoming regional groups to collaborate!
 

Do you take commissions?

Depends on the commission - if you currently have a need that requires traditional blacksmithing skills/techniques that fall particularly within historical or ornamental ironwork, I’m happy to talk through your ideas to see if it’s a great fit. In the event the commission is not best suited, I’ll gladly assist in locating a fellow smith that can take on your project. I do not accept any commissions involving weapons (knives or other).

Can I Barter Goods/services for your wares?

I do not accept barters or trades - sorry!

Can you make me a sword!?

No - I do not make swords.

Do you want to be on FIF?

No - I do not have any desire to be on forged in fire!