Welcome to the Forge
Forged Hand-Crafted Knives and Forging Classes by Makers Tony Lewis and Dan Lewis
Who We Are
Tony Lewis
Tony started making knives in 2008 and received his Journeyman Smith status from the American Bladesmith Society in 2024. Tony appeared on the History Channel’s “Forged In Fire” (Season 9) and is well-known for his skillfully crafted big-game skinner knives and his intricate damascus bowies and daggers. Tony's knives have been featured in "The Cutting Edge" magazine and highly sought after by collectors.
“I was inspired to make knives after a deployment to Afghanistan in 2008 where I met a Soldier who carried a knife that his father made for him. I was amazed at the thought of hand crafting a tool and piece of art that would be passed down and cherished by generations. I started studying knife making, and when I got home, I built my first knife. After that first one, I was hooked. And after making hundreds of knives and learning from other bladesmiths, my skills continue to improve. I am a member of the American Bladesmith Society and always seeking to improve. My focus is on building high quality knives that cut well and stay sharp. I like to take natural locally harvested material and incorporate it into my knives and sheathes. Some of those things include iron wood, deer and elk hide, antlers, and teeth ivory.”
Dan Lewis
Dan started making knives in 2017 and received his Journeyman Smith status from the American Bladesmith Society in 2024. Dan appeared on the History Channel’s “Forged In Fire” (Season 9) and is well-known for his skillfully crafted Damascus Copper Hunting knives which were featured in Blade Magazine (October Issue 2024).
"I hunt elk, deer and javalina in public lands of the desert southwest and started making knives with the goal of producing a superior field knife for serious outdoor enthusiasts. I forged my first knife from a chisel I found in an old tool chest in Arizona, and then I never stopped. Hundreds of knives later I'm still trying to perfect the ultimate cutting tools. I'm a member of the American Bladesmith Society, studying with several Master Bladesmiths - "sharpening" my skills with the best forging and bladesmithing techniques. I love helping others who have an interest in bladesmithing to become makers."
Custom Orders
Tony's Knives
Step into Tony’s gallery to view some of his most recent work—custom blades that have captured attention at Blade Show and among collectors and knife enthusiasts across the country. Tony’s signature style and meticulous attention to detail have earned him a growing reputation as a skilled smith on the path to mastery. Each knife undergoes a rigorous heat-treating process, ensuring exceptional performance and durability, paired with a striking finish that stands out in any collection. Contact Tony for a custom build, or reach out to start the conversation. Check his Instagram for available knives, classes, and the latest news from the forge.
Dan's Knives
Explore Dan’s gallery to see his latest creations—an impressive collection of full-tang, hidden-tang, and through-tang hunters and bowies. Each knife is crafted from premium high-carbon steel or intricate Damascus, with stunning handle materials and detailed craftsmanship. We call it “Functional Art.” These knives are not only visually striking enough to be displayed—they're also built for performance in the field. Each blade is forged to shape, expertly heat treated for a perfect balance of edge hardness and spine flexibility, and carefully tempered to ensure a razor-sharp, durable edge. Every knife comes with a hand-crafted cowhide leather sheath. Interested in a custom knife? Contact Dan to commission your own build. Be sure to follow on Instagram for the latest available knives, class announcements, and behind-the-scenes updates.
Knife Making Classes
We currently offer three knife-making classes:
- Basics of Forging – Making a Brut De Forge Hunting Knife
- Damascus Chef Knife – Making a Canister Damascus
- Tomahawk Class – Forge and Finish Your Own Tomahawk
Now scheduling classes in both Albuquerque and Phoenix. Contact us, and then we will reach out to you with the class schedule. We will work with you on the best date that works for you. Feel free to email us to get next scheduled class dates.
We offer gifts certificates if you’d like to purchase a class for a friend.
Basics of Forging – Making a Brut De Forge Hunting Knife
This is a one- day class where you will forge your own blade from raw steel into a functional knife. This is not a demonstration class - you'll be hammering steel the moment you arrive while learning forging and blade-smithing techniques and tools you'll need for your own journey. This is a beginner to intermediate class, but we will customize the class to fit your skill level and what you are interested in. Class size is limited to 2. Once you sign up, we will schedule your class.
What You Will Learn:
- Basic techniques of forging a knife blade
- Heat treating and tempering
- How to grind and shape a knife style of your choice
- How to shape and fit handle material of your choice
- Each person will be provided with one piece of high-carbon steel and handle material and will have the opportunity to complete one full knife.
About Our Shops
We are well-equipped with propane forges, anvils, vises, hydraulic forging presses, Ameribrade and Grizzly grinders, band saws, drill presses, angle grinders, and lots of tools.
What To Bring
Gloves, safety glasses, steel toed boots, and proper clothing is the responsibility of the student. We will break for a one-hour lunch on the first day where you can bring your own lunch or go off-site.
Take Home One Knife
You will forge to shape, grind, heat treat and finish one knife complete with handle if you follow instructions.
Example Schedule
8:30 AM – 5PM (1 Hour Lunch)
Class Testimonials
Media
Desert Forge in the Media
Check out Tony and Dan on Forged In Fire Season 9 "Friend or Foe", and see the latest videos and posts on Instagram or Facebook. You'll also see Tony and Dan in various publications such as "Blade Magazine" and "The Cutting Edge."
Connect With Us
