About Hyner Forge
Hyner Forge, previously known as BH Knife Co. was born out of a fascination of fine arts, hands on work along with the ancient craft of blacksmithing, ignited by many hours watching "Forged in Fire." The show's blend of creativity, precision, and raw power inspired me to pick up a hammer and begin forging my own path. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into a deep-seated passion, and I soon found myself immersed in the world of metalwork, driven by the challenge of transforming raw materials into functional art. This journey has taken me from my first anvil, graciously given to me by a longtime family friend and a homemade coal forge, to the heart of Norwich, CT, where I now run a thriving blacksmithing and knifemaking business. Specializing in custom kitchen and everyday use knives as well as a variety of hand-forged goods, I've built a reputation for fine craftsmanship that balances beauty with utility, creating pieces that tell a story with every hammer strike.
As BH Knife Co. has grown, so too has my commitment to sharing the craft with others. I regularly participate in local craft fairs across long Island, Connecticut, Rhode island and Massachusetts, where I showcase and sell my work, each piece a testament to the skills I've honed over the years. But beyond crafting knives and tools, I'm passionate about teaching. Through hands-on blacksmithing and knifemaking classes, I offer others the opportunity to experience the transformative power of fire and steel for themselves. My "Railroad Spike Knife Intro to Knifemaking" class has become particularly popular, giving participants the chance to forge their own knives from start to finish. These classes are more than just an introduction to knifemaking; they're a way for people to connect with an ancient craft, gain new skills, and walk away with a unique, handmade piece of their own.
BH Knife Co. traces its roots back to my upbringing on Long Island, where I first discovered the art of blacksmithing. During high school, my best friend since kindergarten and I found ourselves captivated by the power and creativity of working with metal. We began experimenting with forging, hammering out rudimentary pieces in our spare time. This early exploration of blacksmithing sparked a passion that stayed with me through college, where I continued to refine my skills whenever I had the chance.
My journey took a pivotal turn when I landed an internship in Connecticut. During my time there, I was fortunate enough to connect with a long-time local blacksmith in the Noank area. This connection proved invaluable, as the blacksmith not only shared his extensive knowledge with me but also graciously welcomed me into his shop. He allowed me to work at my leisure during the summer following my internship, giving me the space and freedom to further hone my craft. When I secured a job offer from the company I interned with, he generously offered me a permanent spot in his shop. This opportunity allowed me to continue forging, learning, and building my vision for what would eventually become BH Knife Co.
As the years went by, my skills and my business began to flourish. What started as a personal passion project evolved into a growing enterprise, and it became clear that I needed a space that could accommodate this expansion. This past winter marked a significant milestone as I moved into my current shop in Norwich, CT. The new space not only provides an ideal environment for crafting my custom kitchen knives and hand-forged goods but also allows me to expand my offerings, particularly in the realm of education. With more room to work, I can now accommodate more students for my blacksmithing classes, sharing the art and craft of metalworking with a broader audience. BH Knife Co. stands as a testament to my journey from a curious high schooler on Long Island to a dedicated craftsman and teacher, committed to creating functional art and passing on the knowledge of this ancient craft.
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Forge Your Own Custom Railroad Spike Knife