Michael Rader – Fortress of solitude

I had the privilege of being invited up to Michael Rader’s to forge our next competition cutters.

Each of us took turns heating up our metal and forging it down from 2-2 1/2 inch round stock. Michael is an accomplished journeyman smith and will be testing for his master smith this year. I picked up a few tips and tricks while hanging out with him. He lives partially off grid, out in a rural area. It was very scenic and I even hiked with him out to his favorite place overlooking the valley.

Men at Work New “cutter” in forge Final shaping, hammer& anvil