Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Logan.
Hi Rob, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve had a fascination with blacksmithing since I was a kid but never really thought of getting into it in my younger years. Just always wondered how someone could sculpt hot steel with just a hammer. In 2015 I caught an episode of Forged In Fire while on vacation and it got me to thinking I could do that. So I tried it in early 2017. Turns out it’s harder than it looks. I got plugged into the Texas Knifemaker’s Guild and met someone who invited me over to show me some things. He saw aptitude in me ended up becoming a mentor. I had him and others share knowledge and encourage me to step into discomfort to grow. Between that, repetition, and investing in better tools, I’ve gotten to where I consider myself a reasonably decent knife maker.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A buddy of mine, Tobin Nieto, has a banner in his shop that reads “we do this, not because it is easy, but because we thought it would be easy”. It’s involved working long hours and sacrificing time off. Trying to figure out why the thing that fit five minutes ago won’t go together now. Injuries. Stress. There’s a lot of times I wonder why I even do this. But I enjoy creating and I’m actually not bad at it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I don’t know that I can really say I have any one specialty. Though I am known for doing tiny knives. I made a tiny recurve fighting knife a year and a half ago (complete with a slotted guard and hidden tang…. The whole knife, tip the butt of the handle is 2 7/8” long) that got a full page feature in Blade Magazine earlier this year. And I love making culinary knives. I’m a bit of a foodie and enjoy cooking, myself. And everyone has to eat so food prep is something most people can appreciate on some level.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Don’t give up. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Step out of your comfort zone and allow yourself to take on challenges and grow.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bluecanoeforge
- Facebook: @bluecanoeforge
