Welcome to Ragweed Forge
"A knifeless man is a lifeless man" – Old Nordic proverb
In Viking times, a knife wasn’t a luxury—it was a necessity. Everyone carried one, from freemen to slaves. Not as a weapon, but as a daily tool, essential for life itself. It was—and still is—arguably the most important tool a person can carry.
Ragnar understood that better than most. As a skilled bladesmith and proud member of the American Bladesmith Society, he spent years forging blades by hand in both traditional and pattern-welded steel. His knives, often inspired by historical styles, quickly gained a loyal following. But as demand grew, he realized he couldn’t make enough by hand to keep up—and not everyone could afford a custom blade.
So Ragnar went on a quest of his own. He searched for high-quality, traditionally styled knives that were practical, held a razor-sharp edge, and were affordable for everyday folks. That search led him to the time-honored designs of Scandinavia—where simplicity, elegance, and functionality have been perfected over generations. These weren’t replicas—they were the real thing, shaped by centuries of use.
Ragnar personally traveled through Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway to find the best blades he could offer. He began importing knives from Sweden, Norway, and Finland—tools that reflect the same rugged spirit and attention to detail that he poured into his own work.
Now, the torch has been passed.
My name’s Redbeard, and since I took over the shop from Ragnar in 2019. I’ve been honored to carry forward what he built—not just the store, but the tradition, the quality, and the spirit that made it something special. I may not be Ragnar, but I share his passion for fine blades and practical tools that are meant to be used, not just admired.
So whether you’re a collector, an outdoorsman, or just someone who appreciates a well-made knife, I invite you to take a look through the catalog. You’ll find many of the same trusted blades Ragnar stood behind, along with some new additions—always rooted in the same timeless values.
Thanks for stopping by. Ragnar’s legacy lives on, and I’m proud to be part of the next chapter.
In Boots Not Quite My Own
There once was a chap with a hammer and spark,
Who tinkered with steel from morning till dark.
He wandered up north where the cold winds bite,
And made himself blades that could dance in a fight.
He hummed as he hammered, alone in his shed,
With calluses blooming and soot on his head.
His tale’s not forgotten—it’s part of the song,
And now it’s my turn to carry it on.
I’m Redbeard, you see, with a pack full of cheer,
And I’ve taken his path (with a flagon of beer).
The road may be bumpy, the hills rather steep,
But I’m keeping the forge, and the fire, and the keep.
The knives still shine, the edge still sings,
And I’m learning the ways of these sharp little things.
Adventure’s afoot (and perhaps second lunch),
With stories to gather and steel you can trust.
So off I shall go with a grin and a blade,
In boots not quite mine, but quite finely made.
The journey rolls on, the sun’s overhead—
With a song in my pocket and cheer in my tread.
- Redbeard
