Meet the artisan

Meet David: Fire Iron Forge

Meet David,

David is the creative force behind Fire Iron Forge. His journey into the world of blacksmithing began at a remarkably young age, inspired by the flickering coals of campfires and a love for adventure films. He fondly recalls those early days, experimenting with coat hangers and forging makeshift tools and weapons using nothing but rocks and his imagination.

“I was a kid fascinated by the glowing embers,” David reminisces. “Watching movies like Conan the Barbarian and being captivated by medieval history fueled my passion.” From ages 6 to 12, he amassed an impressive collection of authentic medieval weaponry, a testament to his early enthusiasm. However, as his teenage years approached, his focus shifted, and like many, he became more interested in high school activities and relationships.

It wasn’t until after marriage that David reignited his passion for blacksmithing. A friend who made horseshoes invited him to experiment with coal, sparking a new fire within him. His first tools were humble—a railroad track he bought on Craigslist served as his anvil for two years, during which he honed his skills by crafting utilitarian items. Among his favorite creations were camp knives modeled after the iconic Swedish Mora knife.

Soon, David grew weary of making knives and sought new inspiration. His exploration led him to the California Blacksmithing Association, where he discovered a wealth of online resources and a structured curriculum that taught him invaluable techniques. Inspired by his newfound knowledge, David began sharing his passion with friends and anyone eager to learn, transforming his workshop into a hub of creativity and learning.

Before dedicating himself fully to blacksmithing, David worked as a truck driver. About four years ago, a pivotal moment arrived when a friend—a retiring teacher—invited him to take on a group of students. That invitation propelled David into teaching, and he has been sharing his craft full-time ever since. Today, he conducts public lessons in small group settings and offers one-on-one instruction, fostering a supportive environment for aspiring blacksmiths.

We are thrilled to have collaborated with David on our hand-forged Advent wreaths. These beautiful heirloom-quality pieces are crafted to be cherished and passed down through generations.

Shop his hand-forged advent chandeliers here.