MY STORY
I’ve always appreciated well-made tools.
There’s something honest about a tool that has spent decades doing exactly what it was built to do. Every mark, every scratch and every worn edge tells a story of hard work, and I believe those stories deserve to be preserved.
What started as restoring a few old axes soon became a passion for bringing forgotten tools back to life. Before long, my workshop was filled with vintage axes, hatchets, drawknives, hammers and other pieces of working history waiting for a second chance.
Today, Forgotten Steel is where I combine my passion for restoration, timbercraft and leatherwork to create tools that are built to be used, admired and eventually passed on.
WHY OLD TOOLS?
Modern tools certainly have their place, but many vintage tools were made in an era when quality came first. Forged from excellent steel and built to last, they were designed to be repaired rather than replaced.
Every time I restore an old axe or hand tool, I feel I’m preserving a small piece of craftsmanship that might otherwise be lost forever.
These aren’t just old tools.
They’re reminders of a time when people made things properly.
MY PHILOSOPHY
My approach is simple.
Restore, don’t erase.
I believe a restoration should honour the original maker, not overwrite their work. That means preserving maker’s marks, original forging details and the honest character that only decades of use can create.
Where repairs are needed, they’re carried out with the goal of maintaining both function and authenticity.
Every decision is made with one question in mind:
“What would allow this tool to serve another generation?”
I restore tools to be used and enjoyed, not judged by the clarity of a maker’s stamp. The quality of the steel and the craftsmanship remain, regardless of how much the stamp has faded over time.
THE WORKSHOP
Every restoration begins with careful assessment.
Some tools require little more than cleaning, sharpening and a new handle. Others demand hours of rust removal, careful edge work, custom timber shaping and hand-stitched leather.
The workshop is where forgotten steel meets traditional craftsmanship.
It’s where old tools are given the opportunity to work again.
Whenever possible, I make my own handles, craft my own leather sheaths and complete every restoration by hand, ensuring every finished piece reflects the same care that went into its original manufacture.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Quality has always been more important to me than quantity.
Every handle is carefully fitted.
Every edge is sharpened by hand.
Every sheath is individually stitched.
Every finish is chosen to complement the tool rather than hide it.
I don’t believe in shortcuts, excessive polishing or making an old tool look brand new simply for appearance’s sake.
Instead, I focus on creating restorations that are functional, durable and respectful of the tool’s history.
THE FUTURE
Forgotten Steel is more than a restoration workshop.
It’s a place to celebrate traditional craftsmanship and the tools that helped build homes, farms, workshops and communities.
As the workshop grows, so too will the range of restored tools, custom handles, hand-stitched leather goods and practical workshop projects.
My goal is simple: to preserve quality tools, share traditional skills and create pieces that will continue to serve for generations to come.
THANKYOU
Whether you’re a collector, a bushcrafter, a tradesperson or simply someone who appreciates well-made tools, thank you for taking the time to visit Forgotten Steel.
I hope you enjoy these restorations as much as I enjoy bringing them back to life.
Forged by Time. Restored by Hand.