September 5, 2025 Benchmark Abrasives

Bob Bryenton (Solar Storm Forge)

Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Bob from @solarstorm50 and talk a little shop.

If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. And for those of you that take the time to share your story with us, we'd be happy to provide a free BA banner. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!

Name: Bob Bryenton

Business Name: Solar Storm

Location: North Buck Lake, Alberta Canada

Socials: IG: @solarstorm50 FB: Solar Storm Forge

Website: www.solarstorm.ca

YouTube: Solar Storm 50

Specialties: Damascus, CuMai

Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long?

I have been bladesmithing for 4 years now. I started getting interested when I travelled a lot for work, then a lot of the time I spent watching Forged in Fire in the hotel room. I told my wife that it looked interesting and for Christmas she got me an apron and a set of hammers. From there I dove in head first and built my forge, found an anvil and started swinging the hammer. Like any new smith I thought my work was fantastic. But I wanted to do damascus blades and for my 3rd knife I hand hammered a 100 layer damascus hunting knife. From there I was hooked. I showcased the blade on a website and the orders started. It was that simple.

I love when I get a request that is a bit different or with some meaning. I had one request of “something greek and I am a huge fan of Medusa”. What can you do? I then made a CuMai Kopis but instead of the horse head I did an antler carving of a Medusa. then added a traditional CuMai dagger to create a stunning set. Another was a father wanting to give an heirloom blade to his children as they turned 14. Each blade would have the family coat of arms and “Word” on the pommel indicating the main character of the child. And still another fascinating build was a sword that would be used in a Druidic wedding.

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
The creative process. Having worked as an IT executive in business, it was very formulaic. The artistic side was missing. I always start with a design, but as I do every build, the design gets “enhanced” as you see it start to come together. I love it when I ask the client a question and they respond “Why are you asking me? You’re the artist, do what you think is best”. That is when I feel like I produce my best work.

What is your favorite shop tool and why?
I'm torn between the 2x72 grinder and the hammer and anvil. I use the grinder the most and it is responsible for the bulk of the finishing. There is also something romantic and calming about swinging a hammer at hot steel. Time and the outside world disappear. Plus the forge is quite nice on a cold Canadian winter day.

What's your favorite piece that you've worked on?
My favourite work is the work I would not have thought of doing. The challenge of bringing someone else’s dream to life and watching their expression when they open the box.

If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that?
If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life. So as it is right now, I am a retired IT executive that walks out to shop everyday to play. Somedays I am wildly productive, other days I wonder how I spent all day in the shop and managed to get nothing done.

What BA product is your favorite and why?

As a bladesmith, I live and die with the grinding belt. To finish a blade it takes me at least 10 different belts from course to exceptionally fine. And even finishing belts. I even added a water jet cooling system to save on both time and the belts.

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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?

I won't name a product because 2x72 belts are available everywhere. What I will say is the service. Everyone in this industry seems great, but BA is on a different level with its people and service.

What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product?

Let the guys at BA help you. Don't guess at what you need, the guys at BA WANT to get you the best product at the best price to keep you coming back.

If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?

I am trying to work with Michael Samdahl from Samdahl and Son forge on a number of initiatives from a blade to creating a competition to enhance the community. We met through the ABS and had started at the same time. From there we formed a friendship that crosses the border. He is in Montana, I'm in Alberta.

Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?

Do what you love, and “If you need a tool, make a tool. This is the way"

What are your future plans for your shop?

I just finished building a new dedicated shop so my wife can have the garage back. She has been wildly supportive, but I know she wanted the garage back lol. If I add one more piece of equipment, I would add a power hammer. I already have a 2x72, mill and lathe, 16T press, laser engraver. A power hammer would be nice. Also maybe a 2nd 2X72 so that I wouldn't have to retool the grinder so much going between platens, wheels and belts.

A Note From Leo

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Bob! Thank you for the kind words! Having your own dedicated shop now, you're gonna be able to really have some fun. Keep at it and enjoy your retirement! I have spoken.