Located in the small town of Mount Helena, I forge Axes, Tools, and Trinkets from raw materials. It started as a hobby, then quietly escalated into a full-blown obsession.

Six years ago, I began making simple blades with basic hardware tools and a level of confidence that, in hindsight, was ambitious. Wanting to actually learn what I was doing, I took blacksmithing classes with the Artistic Blacksmithing Association of South Australia. I also went to Hammer-Ins at Fallen Forge, soaking up knowledge from experienced blacksmiths and bladesmiths like some kind of metal‑hungry sponge.

Somewhere in the heat, noise, and occasional “why did that happen” moments, the passion took hold. Shaping raw metal into something functional and good-looking hooked me  and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.

Six years on, I’m still improving, still learning and still occasionally arguing with steel like it’s a sentient creature. Crafting an axe from start to finish is incredibly satisfying, even when it tests my patience.

I’m always developing my skills, so yes, imperfections can happen. That’s part of handmade work. But every piece gets my best effort, stubbornness and attention, with the goal of making something strong, functional and worth swinging.

If you want factory perfection, that’s not me. If you want honest craftsmanship with a bit of personality — welcome to Keelback Forge.