Yellow Cedar Kotanto

Crossed Heart Forge

Inspired by the Japanese art of swordsmithing, Dave has been making knives since 1990. His work brings together a fusion of cultural and artistic styles from his experiences in Africa, North America, and Asia. His bladesmithing, finishing methods, and designs draw deeply on the Japanese tradition while his kitchen utensils reflect the plain and simple aesthetic gleaned during his foundational time as a blacksmith in Amish country. Hand work, clean lines, natural materials, and beauty found within function are characteristics of his current works. Highlighting the potential for transformation in discarded objects, most of his raw material is reclaimed from sources such as worn out tools, farm machinery, and sawmill equipment. Even the softwood charcoal that fuels the forge is hand made in small batches from scrap wood. Working from his studio in central Vancouver Island, Dave hand forges high carbon steel into blades, clay tempering them with the Japanese process. Mounting the finished blades using time tested methods, he creates unique art knives that are often spoken for before they are even finished.