About The Pocket Forge
Ben (AKA Me, I’m switching from third to first person) am a Norwich based maker, who is obsessed with making tiny swords! I began almost a decade ago, when I decided to try and learn the art of blacksmithing.
I learned that major challenge for newbie blacksmiths is finding a suitable space to work- somewhere that is safe, secure, preferably fireproof, and either soundproofed or out of earshot of your neighbours.
So, armed with second hand tools, in the corner of a very small shared garage in a shared terraced house in the middle of Norwich, I accidentally earned the wrath of my neighbours, and melted the tyres of my housemates bicycle. I was enchanted, but something had to give.
My solution (or compromise) was to scale down- literally- and focus on making miniatures. It allowed me to work more stealthily while still practicing the exact same techniques.
Years later, I’m lost down the miniaturist rabbit hole, making tiny swords, axes, maces and other tiny armaments full time! I have collaborated with well known makers like Alec Steele, and one of my swords has even found its way into the collection of Adam Savage.
About Ben
I’m actually quite boring, but I enjoy all things fantasy, gaming. DND, cooking and have a Bachelors degree in fish-science that I’ve never used, and spent the next decade as a bored office worker and a part time musician. It was when I picked up a hammer for the first time that something clicked in my brain and actually felt right, and it changed my life.
Before I started The Pocket Forge, I had no background, experience or even a real interest in physical art, and picked up the basics of metalwork and bladesmithing by watching tutorials on Youtube and Instagram. My forging remained a hobby for a couple of years before I ended up turning it into a side-business in 2018, and as of 2023 went full time, working from my tiny garden workshop.
I keep a stock of pieces available to purchase online and regularly attend a range of markets and maker fairs across the UK, alongside my wife Molly. I also create custom pieces, and my work is available in museum gift shops!
