The Maker Behind the Blade

The journey begins with heating the steel to 2200°F in a propane forge. This critical first step transforms the molecular structure of the metal, making it malleable and ready to be shaped. Temperature control is crucial—too hot and the steel burns, too cool and it won't move properly under the hammer.

With the steel glowing orange-hot, it's time for the rhythmic dance of hammer and anvil. Each strike is deliberate, slowly drawing out the blade's profile and establishing the basic geometry. This is where experience truly matters—knowing how the steel moves, understanding the grain structure, and feeling the right moment to reheat.

Once the basic shape is forged, the blade moves to the grinder. Here, precision takes over from brute force. The edge geometry is carefully established, the spine is refined, and the blade's final dimensions are set. Multiple grits of abrasive are used, from coarse shaping to fine finishing, each revealing more of the blade's character.

While the blade undergoes heat treatment, attention turns to the handle. Whether it's desert ironwood, micarta, or stag horn, each material is carefully selected for beauty and function. The handle is shaped to fit the hand perfectly, sanded to a silky smoothness, and finished with oils or resins that will protect it for generations.

The blade receives its final heat treatment—a carefully controlled heating and cooling process that gives the steel its optimal hardness and toughness. After tempering to relieve stress, the blade is polished to reveal its true beauty. The Gentle Bear logo is engraved, the handle is fitted and secured, and the knife receives its final sharpening. What emerges is not just a tool, but a work of functional art.