Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gregory Coker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I wrote a book 2 years ago, Death Waits in the Dark, about my experiences as a special operations attack helicopter aviator in the 160th SOAR, fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, to include the “dragons” after retirement. 100% of the proceeds are donated to support veterans, first responders, and their families, over $50,000 to date.

I started making knives this year, several of my buddies make knives and inspired me to try it out. I love it and find making blades very therapeutic. My neurologists says that blade smithing also helps my brain. I put a group of combat veterans together earlier this year that are new knife makers to make knives and auction them next year at the Blade Show in June. I named our group of 10 veterans, Iron Sharpens Iron, and we will donate all of our proceeds to a nonprofit of choice that supports veterans and their families.

Blades for Brothers is a nonprofit that I recently started that will provide training for veterans that want to learn how to make knives and tools. We use Blades for Brothers to support, empower, and enrich the lives of America’s veterans, combat-wounded veterans, and families of fallen service members to heal from their wounds; both visible and hidden.

We provide opportunities for those veterans and provide a faith based safe place to experience the fun and fellowship of blacksmithing and the bond shared by all veterans during knifemaking events, blade shows, and knife industry events by sponsoring their participation.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Helping veterans, first responders, and family members survive through faith.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Seeing an idea, a thought, a plan become a reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bladesforbrothers.com
• Instagram: Blades for Brothers
• Facebook: Blades for Brothers
• Linkedin: Gregory Coker

Image Credits
Bobby Bushcraft, knife photographer