Sam Farnworth (IG: @firekeeper_forge)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Sam from @firekeeper_forge and talk a little shop.
If you would like to be featured in our weekly showcase (100% FREE) please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. These showcases are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!
Enjoy and Grind On!
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Name: Sam Farnworth Business Name: Firekeeper Forge Location: Bend, OR Socials: IG: @firekeeper_forge Websites: Firekeeper Forge Specialties: Hand Forged Tools - mainly knives and axes |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I was first introduced to metal work at 13 and really wanted to do more of it but for a variety of reasons couldnt in that moment. So finally I decided I was going to learn by myself, and after a few years was able to turn it into my career. I've been doing knife and axe making for around 7 years now.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Being 100% self employed keeps the motivation up due to the need to make $$$. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? I love my power hammer!! It is big, loud, and awesome, and smashes hot stuff! Ha Ha. What's there not to like? |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? I really liked this twist, multibar, damascus bowie knife I made. It forced me to try techniques I hadn't tried before, and it came out great! |
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If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that? I wouldn't want any other job than what I currently do. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
At the moment I like the angle grinder flap wheels, they seem to last longer than other brands. |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
I've only used your 4.5' angle grinder flap wheels and found them to last for quite a while compared to other brands. Would love to try more out!
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What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product?
Best tip would be to sponsor me! Lol! I think there could be a market for your products with the knife making community. I haven't used your grinding belts, but there could definitely be some value in that aspect of things. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
I'd really love to collaborate with Andrew of Portland Ironworks, and Ryan Sanden of Stage Coach Farm and Forge. I really appreciate what they both do, and think with all of our different backgrounds, we could make something really cool! |
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Less talk, more work. You can talk all you want about doing something, but nothing's going to happen unless you just do it. |
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What are your future plans for your shop?
My current plan is that I am saving up to purchase land, and build my dream shop! It'll be 2000 SQ FT of pure greatness!
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
Thanks so much for this opportunity! |
A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Sam! Always great to see someone stop talking about something and just doing it!