Henkels Forge and Tool

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Henkels Forge and Tool custom blacksmithing. handmade iron hardware and tools.

06/10/2026

I learned this method of forming a hinge barrel years ago and it’s one of the fastest and cleanest ways to make them. Once the barrel is formed, it is forge welded in the next heat to close it.

Two large 10” reproduction mid 18th century locks finished and ready to be installed. These locks feature three bolts (m...
05/18/2026

Two large 10” reproduction mid 18th century locks finished and ready to be installed. These locks feature three bolts (main locking bolt, latch bolt and privacy bolt) forged from wrought iron, steel springs and period correct 3 piece hollow brass k***s. Finished with a paint recipe to closely match what the surface of a brand new lock 250 years ago would look like.

I’ve spent much of the last year expanding my research and techniques in lock making. Studying details I’ve overlooked i...
03/31/2026

I’ve spent much of the last year expanding my research and techniques in lock making. Studying details I’ve overlooked in the past and taking advantage of critiques from mentors, has allowed me to build locks that not only function with tighter tolerances, but better reflect the nuances of 18th century English locks. I’m looking forward to much more lock making this year.

Current batch of locks nearing final assembly.
02/24/2026

Current batch of locks nearing final assembly.

A new set of fireplace tools getting ready to leave the shop. These forms of tongs and shovels were common in 18th centu...
02/15/2026

A new set of fireplace tools getting ready to leave the shop. These forms of tongs and shovels were common in 18th century homes. Forged from wrought iron and finished with hand files.

A recently completed pair of andirons in the style of late 18th century English ironwork. These are forged from wrought ...
02/13/2026

A recently completed pair of andirons in the style of late 18th century English ironwork. These are forged from wrought iron, assembled using traditional mortise and tenon joinery, hand filed bright and feature freehand turned finials.

Finished up the Dirk project today. This was a special project and here’s a little about how it came to be. The blade wa...
03/14/2024

Finished up the Dirk project today. This was a special project and here’s a little about how it came to be.

The blade was forged and filed as a project between two friends years ago. Both of these folks have made a big mark within the world of studying 18th century material culture. Unfortunately, the blacksmith, Rick Guthrie, who forged this passed away a few years ago. He was an incredible smith who devoted his life to studying 18th century ironwork and had an incredible eye for detail and making exacting reproductions. In the years where I worked at the Anderson Blacksmith Shop, Rick would often stop by to chat, leaning through the window over my work bench, picking up projects I had underway to put his expert eyes on my work. His critiques were welcome and I always used his words to better my work. There’s a great community within the world of traditional blacksmiths and I’m fortunate to have had so many good mentors over the years. Rick is truly missed by that community, but his legacy lives on in his work and is cherished by those lucky enough to own a piece. I’m honored to have been chosen to finish this project.

Ebony turned and sculpted handle, with hollow brass fittings, wood lined leather sheath with brass throat and chape.

A recently completed 18th century single bolt lock. Swipe to see my reproduction next to the original lock I used for re...
02/27/2024

A recently completed 18th century single bolt lock. Swipe to see my reproduction next to the original lock I used for reference. Unlike the last lock I made, this type of lock was used as a single dead bolt, with no integrated latch or k**b. Even though the construction of this lock is fairly simple, it’s very strong for its small size. The keeper is made from one piece of sheet, that is cut to size and folded to create the box shape. Like most English locks of the 18th century, it’s painted gloss black to protect it for years to come.

Address

12705 Sterling Heights Lane
Providence Forge, VA
23140

Telephone

7572544846

Website

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