Rusty Raven Forge

Rusty Raven Forge Traditional blacksmith specializing in Viking Age metal work. Located in the northern reaches of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The fires have been burning steadily in the forge recently. Looking like my arm is well on its way to a full recovery. O...
04/11/2026

The fires have been burning steadily in the forge recently. Looking like my arm is well on its way to a full recovery. Of course, this means forge productivity should be back to normal soon. Now it is time to start working on a bit of a backlog of orders.
Fresh out of the fire is a new batch of charms and trinkets.

Nails!!
03/19/2026

Nails!!

Finally back at the Forge! Started back at it with a pair of Iron Age sea chest hinges. 1” and 1 1/4” mild steel.
03/17/2026

Finally back at the Forge! Started back at it with a pair of Iron Age sea chest hinges. 1” and 1 1/4” mild steel.

Last piece before I drop off for a few. This is a larger size arm ring that I might just keep for myself.
10/19/2025

Last piece before I drop off for a few. This is a larger size arm ring that I might just keep for myself.

Another larger Viking age arm ring. This one is hand shaped and stamped out of 1 “ solid brass. I admit, I am enjoying t...
10/03/2025

Another larger Viking age arm ring. This one is hand shaped and stamped out of 1 “ solid brass. I admit, I am enjoying this new metal experience.

New version of some hand-stamped Viking-age arm rings, 1/2 inch wide solid brass.
10/03/2025

New version of some hand-stamped Viking-age arm rings, 1/2 inch wide solid brass.

I have been away from the forge for a few months due to a knee issue so have thrown my attention to other crafting that ...
09/23/2025

I have been away from the forge for a few months due to a knee issue so have thrown my attention to other crafting that allows work while sitting. This seems like a great time to further expand my knowledge in brass tooling. Rings!
Even though not hot work, I admit it is quite gratifying. These Viking Age inspired rings are hand crafted using traditional stamping methods and styling. Width runs from 1/4” to 1/2” most sizing is available.

I thought that it was time to try my hand at construction of a wooden sheath for my new Dane axe. Trying for my own inte...
05/14/2025

I thought that it was time to try my hand at construction of a wooden sheath for my new Dane axe. Trying for my own interpretation of the rarely found axe covering that has few examples from the Scandinavian Iron Age. Only a handful have been found from Ireland to Russia . Aiming for a slotted sheath with retaining pin to lock it onto the blade. I will try to keep up on updates and hopefully not stab my self in the process.

Motivated by this cool, rainy day, I have completed a project that I have been pondering for quite a while, a ladle! Ide...
05/02/2025

Motivated by this cool, rainy day, I have completed a project that I have been pondering for quite a while, a ladle! Ideal for soup or stew, this medium-sized ladle should prove useful.

Another Dane style axe complete! Steel body with 9 inches of high carbon cutting edge. This one is a little smaller than...
04/18/2025

Another Dane style axe complete! Steel body with 9 inches of high carbon cutting edge. This one is a little smaller than my original Dane axe. Should be a good cutter. Next step, hanging this beast!

Great first day of the Midwest Viking Festival-Green Bay! Not a bad turnout today, should be even better tomorrow.
10/05/2024

Great first day of the Midwest Viking Festival-Green Bay! Not a bad turnout today, should be even better tomorrow.

Once again, Rusty Raven Forge will be at Midwest Viking Festival-Green Bay. Next Friday and Saturday (October 4-5) at th...
09/27/2024

Once again, Rusty Raven Forge will be at Midwest Viking Festival-Green Bay. Next Friday and Saturday (October 4-5) at the Viking house on the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus. The forge will be burning hot and demonstrations of Iron Age Scandinavian blacksmithing will be presented throughout both days. Drop by and observe a double bellows forge in use. Check out all the newest creations from the fire!

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Houghton, MI

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