WELCOME TO
Barnes Forge Studio
Home to Britt Barnes Knives
I retired after 30 years of federal law enforcement and became a full time Bladesmith and custom knife maker.
I am currently an Apprentice Bladesmith with the American Bladesmith Society (ABS), I passed my Journeyman Smith Performance Test in June 2019. I will be submitting my 5 knives for Judging in the near future.
As a young person I became fascinated with knives and learned to sharpen my dad's Old Timer pocket knife at about 7 years of age and was able to get a keen razor edge.
I work primarily with carbon steels, as well as make my own Damascus (pattern welded steel). I prefer to forge my knives, using heat and hammer to create a fine cutting instrument. I try to use locally sourced handle materials as well as the finest exotic woods and man made materials, and are selected based on the intended use of the knife.
In April 2020, I was honored to represent Law Enforcement on the hit television show Forged In Fire's First Responders Episode. Finalists were asked to forge a Haligan Bar, which is primarily used as an entry tool for Firefighters as well as Law Enforcement Tactical Teams while serving high risk warrants. My Haligan Bar was selected as the winner, and I was awarded the title of Forged In Fire Champion.
MISSION TWO
Specializing in forged knives and tools, I use heat and hammer to
RECENT WORK
United States Marine Corp themed
A recent commission piece to honor a father, and former Marine. Forged from Japanese 1085 high carbon steel, with a Brut De Forge finish (forging scale left in a few places) with OD (Olive Drab) green micarta scales with stainless steel pins and a Balatsky custom mosaic pin featuring the Eagle, Globe and Anchor of the USMC.
Work In Progress (WIP)
I use locally sourced materials when possible. This is a San Mai construction using wrought iron, sourced from a horse drawn combine near my property. The core is Japanese Cutlery 1085 high carbon steel. Handle material has not been chosen yet.
Available Work
Forged Gaucho fighter in 80CRV2 steel wit OD green micarta handle scales with black G10 pins. 12 1/2" blade, with a sharpened clip. 17 1/2" Overall length (OAL). Includes a leather sheath. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Guatemala Project mission trip. Forged during the Forged In Fire Redux build with fellow Forged In Fire Alumni Gene Click. Knife was completed in 5 hours. 1 available at $650.
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Available work
Forged Split cross (Frederick's Cross) made from,a single piece of 1/2" square mild steel. Available loose for $30, or mounted to a board for $50. Includes the Redeemed Steel story. 100% of the proceeds are dedicated to the Guatemala Project mission trip.
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Available work
3 7/8"" blade with a 4 1/4" handle Every Day Carry (EDC) "Guatemala Project" knife made from 1095 high carbon steel with Ipe handle scales and black G10 pins. Hand sanded to a satin finish for $275. 100% of the proceeds are used to fund mission trips to Guatemala to build houses for the needy. Available at $250 in a "user" finish. For higher end scales, add $75. Includes a hand made sheath in buyer's choice of leather.
Available work
Every Day Carry knife made with W2 high carbon steel. Blade has a beautiful hamon (differential hardening indicator) with plenty of "ashi" (ghosting around the edge). Maple Burl handle with stainless steel pins. And Cocobolo with Stainless pins. Available at $300. 2 available. Includes a sheath of buyer's choice of leather or kydex.
MY PHOTO GALLERY
CONTACT US
Please fill out the contact form below and I will get in touch with you as soon as possible. Please keep in mind I am a one man shop as well as a husband and PaPaw. It may take a day or 2 to get back with you. You are important, but so is my family.
CONTACT US
Reach out and we can discuss your cutlery needs.
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