Happy Friday, Makers!
Back in the swing of things following a restful week off, our manufacturing team jumped right back into their routine, pumping out an exciting weekend drop, just as promised! While working on the drop, the team also tackled some big custom orders headed out this week. The custom side of production is often a highlight of our week, and we are tackling some really neat things with that side of the business lately.
While the machines whirred and the men worked, crews wrapped up the interior of our brand new dedicated shipping room, the final stage before we begin moving our stock, label printers and shipping supplies in for good. I know we’ve mentioned this space for a few weeks now, but it seriously is one of those “game-changer” additions that we are stoked to have.
Progress on the foundation for our new Chambersberg Power Hammer “forges” forward. With the concrete base fully cured, we began the process of cutting, boring, and bolting in the timber that will serve as the next layer in the well-engineered footprint for this beast. A huge landmark as we approach the first use of our new toy. Stay tuned for more exciting developments as we near the finish line with what is sure to be our new most-used machine.
Meanwhile in the machine world, head engineer and resident motor expert, Cole, along with some help, is nearing a finished restoration job on our third Blanchard in the lineup. When we pivoted to finish grinding each and every outgoing billet, we knew this stage would need quick scaling, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have three blanchards nearly ready for full use, and will avoid a potential bottleneck at the end of our production line. Clean, flashy finish-ground billets for all!
We were one short this week with the renewed absence of shop staple, Will, as he struggled with that just-cooling-down cold, common to our little mountain town. The notable shortage of witty humor and lighthearted fun reminded us how perfectly curated our team has turned out to be. A great crew and a well rounded family.
We’re still finishing up some of the website updates we began last week, and this week we added Blanchard Operator, Frank, and recent hire, Bob to our employee page. These two each play a large role in production and their bios on the site certainly tell the story of their qualifications as well as the impact they have on our manufacturing. If you’re interested, you can check out our entire “Meet the Team” page here!
Inside the Media
Each week I sit and recollect the week for this newsletter, and on occasion I’ll speak a bit on our media. If nothing else, then because my direct involvement in it leaves me excited to step a bit deeper on some of the fun that takes place behind the scenes of this entertainment. So this week I’m launching “Inside the Media” a section of each weeks newsletter that will be lightly devoted to taking you a bit deeper on this week’s media, whether its a goofy drop reel, or a serious long-form we have been working on, you’ll get the info behind the media here and ONLY here!
Early in the week, Waylon followed shop lead Jay through the Raindrop patterning process. The goal was to show our viewers the monotony in some of the patterns we develop. Never a favorite task among the staff, Raindrop is perhaps the most laborious of the patterning processes we have developed, but with a combination of skill and one of the bigger drill presses you’ll ever see, Jay has mastered the task and accomplishes it with impressive ease. The Reel, perhaps obviously so, reached a substantial new audience for us and performed better than many recent posts. Proving viewers love to both see our processes in action, and see the stunning results of such a repetitive job.
Along with his addition to the “Meet the Team” Page we worked on an introduction video for recently acquired Blacksmith Bob Brandl that went out on Thursday. His comedic personality and goofy style have quickly cemented his place in our team. Somewhere between handling a big project on the power-hammer and joking about Jay’s stature as compared to his, Bob has brought both life and skill to our manufacturing floor and we’re thrilled to have him.
Perhaps the “coolest” aspect of the week’s media hasn’t reached viewers yet this week. Stay tuned today around noon for the return of our ‘pocket dump’ series. This episode features Jay once again, but loaded this time with an entirely new combination of tools and toys. I won’t give away his entire haul, but would like to further highlight one key item Jay now has on him at all times.
I want to say I was there when Carson from Forged AF dropped by our booth at Blade Show Atlanta to gift this unique creation for our shop manager and brother-Baker, Jay. Immaculately crafted with fine leather and clad with a perfect notebook, perhaps the coolest wallet we have ever seen. Not only does it hold his cards and cash, but also his pen, pad AND serves as a resting place for an impressive little fixed knife in our OG RepTide layout. Surely a prize possession of Jay’s, there was no shortage of jealousy to go around when he received this unique piece. We’re stoked to highlight it a bit deeper!
👀 Sneak Peek 👀
This weekend, elevate your creations with FireStorm, now featuring our brand new Surge pattern. Known for its captivating allure, FireStorm returns with a twist – a mesmerizing 10-84 and 15n20 Damascus core, enveloped in multiple copper layers and complemented by our brand new pattern. This isn't just another material drop; it's a statement piece designed for those who demand their work to be extraordinary. Available Saturday at 8 PM EST, or get a head start with the Baker app for early access. Don't let this aesthetic beauty slip through your fingers.
The moment has arrived, artisans! We've combined the iconic essence of FireStorm with the bold innovation of Surge, giving birth to FireStrom - Surge. This isn't just steel; it's a narrative etched in metal. FireStrom Surge brings together the revered dam-core technique with our signature copper layering, creating a pattern that's both a nod to tradition and a leap into the future of blade making.
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle."
- Steve Jobs
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