Lake Charles, LA

Leather - Metalwork - Weapons

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I am a blacksmith and bladesmith specializing in historically accurate and functional arms and armor using tools and techniques as period authentic as I can economically justify. Part of my passion for this work is studying how the smiths and armorers of the past created magnificent and functional (what can only be described as) art. It is critical to me that my craft faithfully represents the labors of these past masters by whom I am so inspired. I also feel that in order to better understand the artifacts of our history, it is important to work as our forbearers did and thus I avoid, to the best of my ability, any tool or technique that lacks a historical analog (my press and grinder are stand-ins for apprentices).
I purchased my first forge at the age of 16 driven by inspirations from various fantasy worlds, primarily Tolkien. Reading the Silmarillion, I was drawn to the craftsmen far more than the heroes. The forge I purchased then is one of several, but still my most used.
Working as a bench jeweler specializing in custom pieces for nearly the past decade has helped me develop various ways to decorate and personalize a piece to the person who will use it; from certain styles of engraving and acid etching to gold inlay and setting precious gems.