Indy Hammered Knives The Craft, The Story and The Man Behind it All
Obviously, you like knives! Me too! And you found me because you like knives that are forged in fire, hammered, and created the time-tested method of forging the steel and creating workable art! Now with that said, finding one of these types of knives is not the most easy thing to do. You may find a knife maker, but then you soon discover that although he makes knives, he has none available for sale, so you must wait months and sometimes even a year to commission a knife. After that, you find out the worst part of it all.....the cost.
Now, like I stated above, I like handmade, hand-forged knives, but unless I was making them myself, I probably couldn't afford one. Many handcrafted knives are priced unreasonably high but that is due to the maker is usually not a full-time maker and that there are many stages of the process that he or she may have others do for them, which is costly.
Here at Indy Hammered Knives, I make the knives myself; I do this as my career (full time means 60+hrs a week) and keep every single aspect of the process in my own shop with my own hands, so the overhead cost of making my knives is completely under my control. Along with that, my commitment to you is to provide you with the highest quality handmade, hand-forged knife that hands can make, have them readily available for you to purchase today, right now, right here on this site, and at a price you can afford. Lastly, the best part of the knife, in my eyes, is the story and making each knife personal or unique, which is why I offer an almost unlimited amount of options for you to build your own knife or customize it exactly the way you want it for you (not having one that is exactly like all the rest). Or better yet, you can have me build one exactly how you have pictured in your mind as I do custom work (but granted, that does take a little longer since we will work collaboratively to build your knife perfectly, which takes a little time).
How We Got Started
To start, God is good! All the time! I never dreamed a few years ago that I would be working for myself using the talents that God gave me to bring special, hand-crafted products to you and running a family business to provide for my family as well as those that are in need that have far less than me. It will always be to His glory and honor that this business functions and provides products and customer service to you.
So with that all said,
God says: (2 Corinthians 6:2)
“At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.”
Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.
That day was May 12, 2011! My actual birthday and my true re-birthday!
Thank God He made this promise to me long before my life here began. My life was out of control, and I certainly wasn't focused on much else other than myself. I was formally a Nursing Home Administrator / Social Worker. Although I provided very compassionate care to those in need for over 20 years, it was not for anyone other than them and myself. I was a hotshot in the corporate world and making more money than I needed (and spending) for things that I didn't need, to probably impress people that I didn't even know or cared to know. I was a "hot mess." On top of all of that pride and selfishness, I was dying slowly due to my alcoholism. (call or write for more on "my story"............)
But by the Holy Grace of Our Father, he kept his promise and heard my cry, and I have been free from the chains of alcoholism and pride for over 11 years. He has led me here to this place today where I use my hands and toil in the "fields" to secure my "bread" and have never looked back or lacked for anything since. Making items passionately and creatively has been more rewarding than any other venture I have ever encountered. Not only are these items timeless and will last the test of time, but they are also treasures that can be passed on for generations to come, as well as a trade that I can pass on to my children and teach them how to use their hands for something greater than themselves!
So, with all that said, I would like to take you on a journey to a time that has since gone by, where people had an experience when they traded, bought, and sold goods they truly needed in a place and environment that was not only friendly but truly was a service and bonding experience. Although you won't be walking into my dusty (sometimes referred to as "patina-ed" smithy with the smell of the fire burning to keep it warm and cozy as well as the coals that are burning to keep my steel hot, you can use your imagination until you have the chance to visit me. In the meantime, enjoy the Knives and products that I think are awesome, reliable, necessary as well as unique. Life is beautiful when we keep it simple, and these products will certainly help you do that!
Our Business Plan:Every wool blanket that we sell, we will be purchasing and delivering a matching wool blanket to someone who is homeless or in need. As we grow, we will be employing folks that might not otherwise have a chance to find meaningful and rewarding employment; 10% of the profits, "first fruits," will always go to God first, and anytime we can assist someone with finding secure housing that needs it, we will assist them.
From my very grateful family to yours, we hope you will always have a great experience and will enjoy all of our products as much as we enjoy making and bringing them to you. Enjoy, and may God's peace and grace be with you!
Sincerely,
James C Wahls, Sr.
Indy Hammered Knives
UPDATE! (I'm not working out of my urban forge any longer, as stated in the video below, and have a really nice "smithy" in one of the oldest and original gas stations in Indiana now! Take a peek behind the blade and see how they are made below)