First off, Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving! My name is Devan Mills and I am from Northeast Alabama. I started tinkering with blacksmithing around 2010, then shortly after discovered blade smithing. I have always collected knives and discovering the possibility of forging them had me hooked. 

Around late 2011/early 2012 I joined the ABS for the first time. Renewed once and then through the conundrum of life I didn’t renew again, and only periodically messed with my forge throughout the last decade or so. Well now the kids are getting older and I’ve settled into what’s hopefully the job that will see me through to retirement, I am starting back full force.

The old forge is beyond tired and there are some design flaws I would like to remedy. I found some old info I had from Don Foggs website about his vertical forge and I have set out building that. With the exception of lining it the forge is done, and next I’m gonna start building my grinder. Luckily over the last several years I continued to accumulate parts and pieces so I’m in good shape haha. 

I look forward to learning more about this, and meeting some of you at the hammer ins!