Crooked Path Forge

I grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida a wastrel and beach bum for most of my early life.  It was fun.  It wasn't until I moved to Gainesville and met my wife that I realized I had to do something more with my life.  I looked to blacksmithing because I had a pretty solid fascination with all things sharp.  I was always reading while growing up, and I was most often drawn to tales with axes, swords, and danger.  Whether it was fictional accounts of Conan's derring-do or historical depictions of the Battle at Hadrian’s Wall, I read it faster than my parents could supply me with new books.   

   I've been seriously smithing since 2010. I started with a two week summer course at the Penland School of Crafts.  Afterwards,  I was apprenticed to Yaw Owusu Shangofemi, a blacksmith of many years, and really learned from him the arts of tending a coal forge.  

    One day my buddy, Danny Lore, asked if I had ever made a knife.  I told him I hadn't, but if he came over we would make one together.  He did, so we did, and now we both make some of the best knives in town.  I have steadily trained myself in bladesmithing, with much help from the Florida Artists Blacksmith Association and from fellow smiths in the area.  

   I try to pass on my knowledge to others keen to learn.  By offering workshops I provide people interested in the Craft a place to learn and play with hot steel, whether they plan on making knives, constructing architectural elements, or crafting sculptures.

Jordan Borstelmann

Underhill’s Forge

Jacob Underhill

What’s up everybody!!! I’m Jacob Underhill and I’m a Bladesmith from Starke Florida. I’ve been Forging for about 9 years now and I am currently working on my Journeymans with the American Bladesmithing Society! I specialize in camp knives and modern EDCs but love to make all kinds of sharp and pointy things!!

MidKnight Arts

Ariel Underhill

From a young age, art and school were my sanctuary, an escape from a challenging childhood. This passion blossomed into a dream: to share my unique artistic vision with the world. I've explored various mediums, from vibrant paintings and melted crayon art to gleaming resin coasters. My love for creating also extends to woodworking, where I craft hybrid furniture and art that beautifully combines wood and resin. Yet, my proudest creations are the one-of-a-kind custom handle materials I craft for bladesmiths, including the exceptional blades from my husband's own Underhill's Forge.

The journey into handle materials began when my husband, a bladesmith himself, envisioned creating his own. When his initial attempts fell short, I dove into the world of resin. What started with coasters and other small projects quickly evolved. By 2019, I channeled years of learning and experimentation into developing the distinctive custom handle materials you see today. Each piece is a testament to perseverance, a blend of artistic expression and dedicated craftsmanship.