It made me blow tea through my nose!

Stolen from Angel's site

It was -21F  here last nite.  The dogs didn't dally when it was potty time.

Thanks to all my friends and customers!!!!

The 2016 season was an amazing adventure.

   Thanks especially to Chad, Cole and Britt for keeping things going when the going got tough.  They kept the shop running when I had to leave to handle some family emergencies and then when I had my knee surgery.  

  

Not the surgeon who worked on my knee

A huge thank you to everyone who spent their hard earned money at HBI.  I'm glad that you think the things we make are worth buying.  We try our hardest to make quality goods and sell them at a fair price and it seems to be working.

 We'll be back at the Moose Lake Riverside Arena when it opens in the spring.  We're planning to be at TJ's in Mahtowa and are busy working on the spring's show schedule.

  If things go as planned we'll have a few demos to do and will have a new trailer that will make it easier to load and unload all the heavy ironwork.

  There was a few people interested in apprenticing so there maybe some new faces at the shop and booth next spring.   

  We are not doing anymore custom work until after the holidays.  We'll happily sell you what we have in stock though.  Use the handy contact form and we'll get back to you ASAP if there is anything you're interested in.

  Now enjoy the cold mosquito free time of year and eat too much and enjoy your tribe.

MMMMMM Turkey

No bug repellent needed

Final Show of the 2016 Season!

Hello all!

Well, this is it, Saturday will be our last show of the season and your last chance to snatch up HBI products before the holidays.

We will be at the Chickadee Holiday Bazaar in Barnum at the Chickadee Coffeehouse and Deli(3691 Alan Syverson Drive) from 9am to 2pm with an assortment of cash and carry items for your holiday gift giving needs. Treat your friends and family to some of our hand crafted merchandise and treat yourself to some delicious Chickadee sandwiches and coffee!

Hope to see you there!

Two shows this weekend!

Greetings all,

HBI is participating in two shows this Saturday (December 3rd):

• Sven and Cole will be at TJ's CristKindl Market in Mahtowa from 10-2ish. 
• Chad and Brit will be at a new venue in Duluth hosted by the Renegade Crafter's Collective at The Encounter Youth Center Holiday Craft Show located at 201 E 1st Street. Hours are 9am to 4pm.
  
  The holidays will be here before you know it! Let us help you with your holiday gift shopping.

Happy Thanksgiving from HBI; check us out on Saturday

Greetings all!

We hope everyone has a happy, Turkey Day full of delicious food, good friends and family.

Here at HBI we are looking forward to the opportunity to give thanks to all our customers and show sponsors who made 2016 such a great year.  But the year isn't over yet!

Please come check us out Saturday, November 26 at a new venue for HBI!  We will be at a craft show sponsored by the Renegade Crafters Collective at the Belgian Club in Superior.  Chad and Sven have been working hard to beef up stock on unique holiday gift items of a quality you just don't get at department stores. 

The Belgian Club is located at 3931 E 2nd Street in Superior, WI.  

Hours are approximately 9am to 4pm. 

 Hope to see you there!

It's been a bumpy week here at the shop.

A new Micarta handle on a customers BK10 knife.  It will also be getting a new custom sheath.

The good news is we are getting caught up on custom orders and getting more product ready for the up Xmas shows.

We had our first proper winter storm and we got 4-6 inches of snow and my snow blower is out of action.  Good thing I have 4 wheel drive!

  Early last week there was some drama that involved a trip to the vet.  The puppy tried to herd a truck and came out on the losing end.  She dislocated her hip and ended up with lots of road rash, 14 staples and a cone of shame.  It could have been much worse very easily, so I'm thankful for that.  She'll get the immobilizing bandages off tomorrow, and should be right as rain in a couple more weeks.  Thanks Nice Vet Lady!!

The young lady the day after she played a speed bump while trying to herd a truck.

There will be some pictures forthcoming on a custom blade that we have put damascus bolsters on.  That has been a learning experience. I'll post more on that later.

A few days later after she got the hang of 3 legged locomotion.

A drop point hunter in action after a successful hunt

A customer sent me these pics.  The individual had ordered some knives and they were given out as early Xmas presents.  Just in time for hunting season as it turns out.  

 The owner of the knife was quite pleased with his new blade and happy to show it off for the camera.

Show in Cloquet,MN today and tomorrow! 11/11 and 11/12

It's at the Pine Tree Plaza (Super One)
10-5 on Friday 11/11
9-4 on Saturday 11/12

   We have some silver cloak pins made, a few new knives and towel rings.  We've been out of that stuff for a while.  Thanks to every who has been supporting the shop!  We hope to see you there.

Thanks to everyone who helped make the Cromwell show successful.

We had a great show over the weekend and now I have to make another mess of flint strikers.  They were one of the most popular items.  It's a good thing they are one of my new favorite things to make on the power hammer!
   This coming weekend we'll be at the mall in Cloquet.

The dogs thank you for keeping their dog dish full!

Thanks to everyone who helped make the Cromwell show successful.

We had a great show over the weekend and now I have to make another mess of flint strikers.  They were one of the most popular items.  It's a good thing they are one of my new favorite things to make on the power hammer!
   This coming weekend we'll be at the mall in Cloquet.

The dogs thank you for keeping their dog dish full!

Another Milestone Reached! We are experimenting with making a hamon on some blades.

Satanite applied before the heat treat

A hamon  is type of temper line created during  a differential hardening process.  It looks cool!  

After the heat treat with the Satanite knocked off and before the final grind and polish.

2 blades in the first batch cracked during the quench.  I'll get pictures of that later.  Live and learn.

Holiday Season Shows!

Hello all!  Believe it or not the holiday season is upon us and HBI is gearing up for our holiday show line up.  For more details see our 2016 Shows and Events Calendar tab.

Our first holiday show is this Saturday at the Cromwell High School in Cromwell, MN.  Show hours are approximately 9am until 2pm.

Please come say "Hi!" and support the Cromwell High School and your local blacksmith at Hunchback Ironworks!

A good excuse for light posting.....business is good.

I'm trying to get some stock built up, but paying customers come first.  These knives are all sold except for the one with the tan Micarta scales.  I need to replenish my sheath making supplies now.  

Before the etch

After the first etch bath.

Another Damascus blade is already to go to it's new home.  Just a set of snake wood scales and a black Kydex sheath to go.  More pictures coming when it's done.

Opposite side on the final etch. Is that an alien trapped in the blade?

Knives out the Wazoo

Knives with the edge put on.  The tape keeps our fingers where they belong.  After the handles are done it's time for a sheath. 

There is a large pile of used up grinder belts in the shop now.  There is another couple dozen new ones on the way.  We're trying to build up some stock for Xmas and take care of the customers who have orders in.  I'm getting lots of practice which is a good thing.   Get you order in sooner rather than later if you want to be on the before Xmas list.   Naughty girls move to the front of the list

Knives awaiting the sharp edge

Grinding dust everywhere!

The new maker's mark in action

The pace has picked up for the knife making part of the shop.  There several knives on order and I'm trying to build up stock for our Christmas shows.

5 knives in the batch are already sold.  

There is a nice layer of grinder dust on everything in the shop.  I'm not looking forward to cleaning all that up.   There is also the fun part of learning to order supplies and keep every thing straight.  Before business picked up, there was usually 2-3 knives in process and there is more than a dozen with plans for another couple of dozen.

A billet of Damascus ready to be forged into a knife for a customer

Flint and steel AKA strikers are now a going concern!

The top row of strikers fits in an Altoids tin.
The bottom row are  a Viking style of striker.

To the gentleman who inquired about the strikers,   here is what I have in stock at the moment.  I hope the email I sent you didn't end up in the spam folder.

Knives in stock right at this moment! !!!!Update 10/10/16 Sheaths are on all knives now.!!!

Top knife is a fighting knife out of 5160 reclaimed spring steel and it has an OD Kydex sheath.
Bottom knife is a large bushcraft knife out of 3/16 1095 steel. Linen Micarta scales.  Tan Kydex sheath..

A sheath has been made.  That is a good sized blade and it needed a cover.

A  Teklok for the back.  Set up for a canted cross draw.

A handy belt clip for a light knife.  Set up for right handed cross draw

Top knife is a small bushcraft knife out of 3/16 1095.  It comes with a Kydex sheath. Linen micatra scales.
Middle knife is a small bushcraft knife out of 3/16 1095 with Snakewood scales.  Comes with a Kydex sheath
Bottom knife is another bushcfaft knife out of 3/16 1095.  Black linen micatra scales. Blak Kydex sheath.!!!!!!SOLD!!!!!

We make our sheaths in house.  We can do leather or Kydex.  Kydex is the less expensive option right now because I don't have to hand stitch Kydex.  Our in stock colors for Kydex is Black, Coyote Tan, and O.D.    Depending on the size of the knife we use a belt clip or a TEKLOK for attachment.  Other options are available upon request.
We have a couple of orders for Damascus blades and until they are completed we won't have any extra Damascus for in stock knives.
  Shoot me an email if you're interested.

Knives in stock right at this moment! !!!!Update 10/10/16 Sheaths are on all knives now.!!!

Top knife is a fighting knife out of 5160 reclaimed spring steel and it has an OD Kydex sheath.
Bottom knife is a large bushcraft knife out of 3/16 1095 steel. Linen Micarta scales.  Tan Kydex sheath..

A sheath has been made.  That is a good sized blade and it needed a cover.

A  Teklok for the back.  Set up for a canted cross draw.

A handy belt clip for a light knife.  Set up for right handed cross draw

Top knife is a small bushcraft knife out of 3/16 1095.  It comes with a Kydex sheath. Linen micatra scales.
Middle knife is a small bushcraft knife out of 3/16 1095 with Snakewood scales.  Comes with a Kydex sheath
Bottom knife is another bushcfaft knife out of 3/16 1095.  Black linen micatra scales. Blak Kydex sheath.

We make our sheaths in house.  We can do leather or Kydex.  Kydex is the less expensive option right now because I don't have to hand stitch Kydex.  Our in stock colors for Kydex is Black, Coyote Tan, and O.D.    Depending on the size of the knife we use a belt clip or a TEKLOK for attachment.  Other options are available upon request.
We have a couple of orders for Damascus blades and until they are completed we won't have any extra Damascus for in stock knives.
  Shoot me an email if you're interested.

Hi Everyone!

Since Mr Grant has done his write up I've gotten lots of visits  and a few inquiries.
 Thank you Sir!
The easiest way to order or inquire is to email me using the contact form.
Most of my work is custom so I don't have a lot of stock on hand.  

 I use paypal for most of my internet business but if you want to send a check or money order we can handle that.   Most of my business has been by word of mouth so my site is not really set up for internet ordering.
 If there are any IT guys who like to trade ironwork for setting up a spiffy site I'd be down with that.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you like what you see.

Time to enjoy the fall colors !

Christmas Orders Are Already Coming In!

These two knives are turning out to be the most popular designs this year.  The snake wood handle is going to be hard to keep in stock.  Damascus blades are available now, but they seem to sell as fast as we can make them and there is a few on order.  So if you're thinking about buying a knife for yourself or a loved one, ordering sooner than later would be the best option.

A spiffy Knife

Things have been exciting around here, you wouldn't know it from the lack of posts though.

There has been knee surgery, which has slowed things down quite a bit.  A trip hammer that has been put back into service and an order for a very special customer.  Very expensive snake wood, a bar of 1095 and 15n20 damascus, stainless steel bolsters and a whole mess of time and worry has created this fine piece of work.

Next HBI Show Coming Up September 17th!

Come join Hunchback Ironworks in supporting the Carlton County Farmer's Market Harvest Festival!  Play chicken bingo, paint a pumpkin, vote for the best tomatoes, and support your Carlton County farmers, and local blacksmith!

We here at Hunchback Ironworks are working hard to build up our stock for the oncoming holiday (and hunting!) season and are looking forward to offering you a selection of some of our best selling hooks, cook gear, knives, cloak pins and more for cash and carry.  But now is also the perfect time to start thinking of custom orders for all your holiday gifts!  Or to get your cabin outfitted with toilet roll dispensers, towel bars or drawer pulls for the upcoming hunting and holiday season.  We are currently running 4-8 weeks on custom orders, so don't delay.

Hope to see you Saturday!

Thanks For a Great Season at the Riverside Arena Flea Market in Moose Lake!

The season is winding down and we had to say goodbye to all our friends at the Riverside Arena last Saturday as the flea market in Moose Lake shut down for the summer.

Thanks to the support of our friends at the Riverside Arena and all our wonderful customers we had a great season.  We look forward to returning next Memorial Day weekend in 2017!

But we still have several shows on our 2016 calendar, and will be taking holiday custom orders up until December.  So HBI remains open for business.

We also hope to have our Little Giant trip hammer up and running soon, and need a good reason to play with it, so we hope you will place your holiday orders early and keep us busy and out of trouble in the shop!!

Thanks again every one!!

Sven, Cole, Chad, Brit and assorted dogs

Custom 18 inch x 30 inch grill

There has been a lot of custom orders happening at the shop.  Here is the latest.  The customer wanted a  grill for his fire pit that he would be able to slide his cast iron pots around on.

 There was some artistic license granted and I put a few black smith twist in it so it you could tell it was not made commercially.

3/8in  square hot rolled iron makes up the top and the frame is 1/2in hot rolled iron.

An awesome gift from a customer

This is an awesome piece of stained glass art.  It is a gift (much appreciated) from a customer to help fund some tooling. Some of the custom work I did for him involves large radii.  Being the nice guy he is he is trying to make my life a bit easier.

  Right now I have to do large circles and radii by hand which is a little slow and tedious.  We're trying to get the scratch together to buy a roller that will speed things up and allow more artistic expression.  There will be a stand made for it and they will be on display/sale when we go to shows.

If you would like to contact the artist please call or send me an email and I'll get you his contact info.