There are so many talented artists across the Annapolis Valley, with many unique styles and backgrounds, with a true passion for the art they do.
Adam Doherty of Blackrock_forge has been crafting knives and steel for five years.
Adam, born and raised in the Annapolis Valley, resides right in our backyard in West Black Rock.
Similar to myself, Adam self-taught his knife-making and blacksmith techniques from the “University of YouTube!”
(University of YouTube is an inside joke which is a reference to being self-taught by watching videos that include different techniques and skills that are then used – for those who need clarity.)
Adam considers himself a knife-maker slash blacksmith. While he forges knives, he also makes knives by doing stock removal.
Stock removal refers to the process of grinding a knife out of a piece of steel, compared to forging where metal is shaped using compressive forces, like hammering or pressing.
The true definition of a “blacksmith” is a skilled craftsman who shapes and forges metal objects, using tools like hammers, anvils, and tongs, often heating the metal in a forge, which allows the steel to be shaped.
While I was curious to know how hot steel gets in order to maneuver it, the safe answer is “hot.”
Forging is truly an art based on the colour of the steel and knowing when it’s the right time to shape it.
“It’s definitely a dying art. I bet you if you had the chance to talk to your grandfather he would be able to tell a story of a blacksmith from a long time ago who made a horseshoe.” Adam stated after sharing a story of my grandfather.
Adam provided a full tutorial on how to make a snail, including hands-on experience of forging.
Doherty touched on the amount of time and patience that goes into this style of art.
“This is an unbelievable, long learning process which I don’t think you’ll ever stop learning. Every little thing, including this snail we did today, is a learning curve; every hook, every rose, every snail. They all turn out a little bit different.”
While working with steel, there are many different types of techniques and skills that require a significant amount of time and practice. From cold rifting, scrolling, moving steel, bending steel and finishing off pieces, there is alot of time and effort involved.
There are a few ways to forge. The older style is the most common, a propane blown forge. This is a bigger forge, allowing for larger projects to be worked on.
The propane blown forge has a blower, which gives it power. With a little bit of propane, the blower brings the forge up to higher tempatures, which ultimately heats the steel.
There is also newer technology, such as the 15 Kilowatt induction forge that is based off of electricity and conductively. These are used for smaller, more quick projects, learning experiences and classes, such as the snail piece we made. \
There were three fundamental blacksmithing techniques that we used to make the snails.
Tapering, which makes one end of the steel thinner and narrower. The second technique was forge welding. We forge welded the snail’s tail back on itself. This requires the steel to be at a critical temperature and then hammering it down into one piece. The third was scroll work. The back of the snail was twisted up like a cinnamon bun, which required lots of hammering, adjusting to the angle of the steel, to give the snail a good-looking back!
Doherty plans to continue his passion, while teaching himself and others. He plans to meet other blacksmiths to learn different products and techniques.
Last year was the first year Adam attended a craft fair. While sharing his work, he plans to do the Somerset and Acadia Craft fairs this year.
The Kingston Rib Fest is also coming up and plans are underway to have a booth set up with different types of kitchen and barbecue items forged.
With CanIRON, the biggest meeting of blacksmiths is happening in Manitoba this year, Doherty is also excited to attend and see demonstrators of a high caliber, always eager to learn more.
You can learn more about CanIRON ⤵️
“If you appreciate this kind of work, I suggest booking a class, heat up some steel, swing a hammer and see what’s involved in making the simplest of things, such as a snail. I’m sure you’ll have an appreciation of the value that blacksmiths put on their products.” Doherty stated.
Adam holds classes for those that are interested. Small groups can heat some steel, swing a hammer and take home a keepsake.
With a variety of items available, such as hooks, knives, fire pokers, spatulas, spoons and coat racks, the list goes on.
⚠️ I will note: The items forged take an extensive amount of time, energy, effort and patience. This is truly a passion, one which you’ll understand if you have the opportunity to witness.
You can view his products and website at the link attached below. ⤵️
https://www.blackrockforge.ca/?
If you’re interested in booking a class or learning more, you can reach out by messaging the Black Rock Forge Facebook page.
Big thank you to Adam for the great morning chat, learning experience and ultimately sharing this unique talent with all of us!
Adrian J.
