Welcome to my new website and online portfolio.
It has taken me some time as an artisan to find my feet again after retiring Ironside Edge Works (my former brand / partnership). Honestly, I spent some time wondering if I would ever make knives or blades again due to the enormous burnout I was dealing with. After some forced time away from the workshop, moving out of the city onto a homestead in more peaceful surroundings, I’m glad to say I am back.
This has not been something I’ve undertaken lightly. I’m wary of repeating the many mistakes I made over the last 8 years or so. I never again want to be in the position where I need to deliver so much, to so many people, under such pressure. This new season under Akitsu Forge is about redefining what it means for me to be a blade smith and knifemaker, while finally pursuing my dream of forging Japanese Swords.
I’ve checked out of the world of “production knife making” and really aim to concentrate on creating one of a kind bespoke pieces. While I still maintain a Working Collection, these are not my primary focus. The focus has shifted to Signature Collection pieces which are one of a kind knives, and ultimately my Masterworks Collection which will consist of my hand forged, Japanese Swords.
For those who have followed me thus far in my career, I’m grateful for your support and glad to have you still following what I do. And for those who have just discovered me, I hope you like what I am doing.
As always I remain committed to producing the best possible knives and swords I can muster, using the best quality materials I can find, and to the highest artistic standards I can aim for.
Enjoy looking around, and follow me on YouTube and Patreon to stay updated (They are both free platforms with no membership requirements).