Today we’d like to introduce you to Jody & Jennifer Lyddane

Jody & Jennifer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

We have been married for 19 years and have consistently pushed one another towards our goals. We enjoy getting out of our comfort zones whether it is competing on a television show, opening up a Barber Shop, going on adventures with our two children, or pursuing a challenging course. Jody began learning about metallurgy, forging, and working with steel allows out of college while working as a Farrier. While the couple was building a house, he decided to experiment with knife making and became intrigued by the craft. Jennifer started working with him as a way to bond and share a similar interests and the two became ‘Forged Together’. Getting to where we’re at included many mistakes, trial and error, studying, and learning from others by attending classes and events.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

The art of blacksmithing can be as complex and intricate as you make it. There are struggles along the way just as in any other art form but the final product is always worth the squeeze. As long as you learn from every error then there are no mistakes. We started with very little and with the most basic of tools as we were unsure where this type of business would take us. As we have progressed, we have certainly upgraded to some of the most state of the art equipment. Humble beginnings that require sweat and tears helps build an appreciation for the craft and respect for the process. Amongst other obstacles is Jody’s military service. He has served for over 24 years and was recently deployed and he is gone quite a bit for training throughout the year. This aspect, combined with two teenagers who are both actively involved in sports create a very challenging dynamic when trying to juggle a business. We face it head on and get through it which is why we are such a dynamic duo and tight knit family.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

We create unique functional art in the form of blades. We hope that each of our pieces leave a lasting legacy or become an heirloom that is passed down from generation to generation. We specialize in pattern welded steel that resembles the Damascus steel of the past. We combine different allows with nickel and layer it in various ways. We enjoy adding intricate patterns to each of our pieces that creates contrast along with exotic handle material that makes each one different than the next. We often work together which sets us apart from other bladesmiths. We help one another by offering constructive criticism, flirty competition while in the forge together, and the occasional challenge.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?

We both enjoyed the outdoors and riding horses growing up. To this day we enjoy getting out in nature and camping, zip lining, kayaking and camping together. We have both always worked well with our hands and love being creative. Jennifer is a Master Barber with a keen eye for detail which helps her excel in our trade. We love being good examples to our children and demonstrating goal setting and accomplishment, overcoming challenges, and passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jlforge.com
• Instagram: lipstickblacksmith or jlforge
• Facebook: lipstick blacksmith or jlforge

Image Credits

David Rearic captured the images of us in the forge.