Sheely (Beaver Creek Forge), Butch

"I started bladesmithing and blacksmithing in 1982, after getting involved in re-enacting. For the next twenty plus years I forged knives, tomahawks and various other items, mostly for re-enactors. Five years ago I started bladesmithing and blacksmithing full time. I take great pride in making the best knives and tomahawks that I can, starting with forging, grinding, and heat treating and including the hand sewn leather sheaths. I joined the American Bladesmith Society in 2005, after attending a number of ABS hammer-ins in Michigan and Ohio. In 2009 I was awarded my Journeyman rating from the ABS. My long term goal is to achieve the Master Smith rating. Most of the working knives that I make are forged from 5160, I also use 1084, 1095 and 52100. The majority of the Damascus that I make is 1084 and 15N20. I use only natural materials for handles, including wood, stag, antler, horn and bone. I believe that the appearance and feel of natural materials fit the style that I make."