Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayne DuBose.
Hi Shayne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began hammering hot steel at the age of 12, making knives out of scrap pieces of poor quality steel. From there I began finding books to read on the subject of blacksmithing, discovered hundreds of videos on YouTube to learn from, and practicing late Into school nights.
After years of making projects for friends and family, as well as attending farmers markets, I’d opened Candy Mountain Forge for business. Then I met the owners of “The Dragon Forge Experience” in the texas renaissance festival. I started to show them my work and was offered a job, working to give people a taste of forging their own creations. I’ve been there for 4 years now and still going strong.
This ignited something new in me, not just a passion for forging iron but teaching others the craft! It wasn’t long after my first season at the festival I ran I to the head smith of “Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms” in Austin. I was asked to come and see the facilities and if i wanted to try my hand at teaching full classes. I accepted and have been instructing there since.
Seeing the passion take hold in new faces has been inspirational for me to push my own blacksmithing to new levels and go beyond what I can currently do, which in this art there’s always more to learn.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I was asked to join my friends at pioneer farms and the renaissance faire I was unemployed so it was gift to be able to work doing what I love. I’ve been through a few jobs since I began with both of them, but all signs ended up pointing to this craft. So I recently took the leap and have began full-time blacksmithing. Taking custom orders and teaching as well as attending more renaissance festivals across the country.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve been forging iron for 18 years and proffesionally blacksmithing for 6. I love to make useful things, tools, cooking equipment, and everyday carry knives. I have been tasked with more “fantastic” jobs on occasion as well. I forged the spear of Goliath to full scale, which was over twelve feet tall and near forty pounds. It was an amazing challenge and a mountain of fun! I’ve become known to some for my scrolling and finials on relatively simple projects, elevating them to a higher standard than most.
What matters most to you? Why?
Quality and beauty. If you’re going to take the time to make something, take the time to make it beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Candymountainforge.com
- Instagram: Candymountainforge
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KAvQNk361/
