About Matthew Shirey
Matthew Shirey has been perfecting the art of the hammer and anvil for over 20 years and has been running his own blacksmith forge since 2005. He is a member of the American Bladesmith Society and attended the John C. Campbell Folk School and Penland School of Craft. In 2022 he won the Season 9 premiere of the History channel’s hit show Forged in Fire!
Matthew’s unique style is the result of studying 18th and 19th-century ironwork and cutlery combined with the lessons learned while forging all his products literally by hand.
“I was mesmerized by the forging process, the rhythmic ring of the hammer meeting the anvil, and the way iron became malleable when heated to a bright orange glow. ”
Early Years
Matthew Shirey’s journey to becoming a blacksmith began in 1999 when he attended a weekend workshop at a local state park.
Matthew has always been interested in the old ways of doing things and has long studied the skills and crafts of our ancestors that allowed them to go into the wilderness and create a life for themselves. Blacksmithing was a natural choice.
Soon after that first workshop in 1999, Matthew had his own hand crank forge, anvil, and post vise and began his education as a blacksmith.
The Forging of Shira Forge
Matthew officially launched Shira Forge as a business in 2005 and turned it into a full-time operation in 2017. Shira Forge is unique due to its variety - and consistency. Matthew is anything but one-note. He forges knives, axes, and cookware. There is something for everyone. You can have a hand-forged, heirloom piece in your kitchen, kindling box, and on your belt.
Matthew Shirey’s Artist Statement
I am still captivated by my work. There is something magical about forging iron that strikes a chord deep within me. Whether I’m forging a knife, axe, or frying pan I never tire of watching the iron transform under the careful guidance of my hammer. Every day is a learning process, and I seek the lessons the iron and fire have to teach me.
Matthew Shirey’s goal as a craftsman is to not only create beautiful objects but also to master ancient techniques and pass that knowledge on to further the craft.
I want to know that I could stand shoulder to shoulder with a Blacksmith of 200 years ago and keep pace. It is also important to me that I share this acquired knowledge with others and so I take every opportunity to teach that comes my way, whether it means bringing a youngster to my shop or demonstrating at craft fairs and festivals.