Welcome to Hellbender Steelworks!
Hi there! I'm John, and I'm excited to share a bit about myself and what I do. My passion for crafting knives began as a hobby after my wife suggested we take a class with Will from Heartwood Forge and it has since become a deep passion.
One aspect that drew me to knifemaking is being able to repurpose materials in a meaningful way. There's nothing more rewarding to me than knowing where materials come from to give each piece it's own story, whether it’s a piece of wood I’ve harvested from a downed tree on my family’s land, or an old rasp that once belonged to a friend’s grandfather. Like the Hellbender salamander, a creature native to this region and a symbol of fire in many cultures, every knife is unique and reflects the natural world that inspires it.
Alongside me in the workshop are my trusty companions, Storm, Remi, and Grizz (in loving memory of Storm April 6, 2026). These are our loyal dogs, but they're not just pets, they're valued members of the team! Whether they're keeping me company at the forge or lending a paw with quality control, their presence makes every day brighter.
Outside of making knives, I enjoy playing old time music and spending time with my wonderful wife, Sarah. She's my biggest supporter and source of inspiration, always encouraging me to push the boundaries of my creativity.
Handmade in the heart of Appalachia, each piece reflects the idea that good tools should tell the story of where they came from and the hands that made them. Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Warm regards,
John, Sarah, Storm, Remi, and Grizz