Meet Eric Hemker of Hemker Blacksmithing LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Hemker.

Hi Eric, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello! My name is Eric Hemker. Born and raised in Quincy, MI. I now live in the Detroit metropolitan area and work full time for General Motors as a design engineer.

My blacksmithing adventure began the summer of 2016 on the back patio of a friend’s apartment. We started with a sand plaster lined 12 quart bucket and a hair dryer for an air source with grilling charcoal as a fuel source. We got three uses out of that forge before it crumbled to bits, but that was plenty to get me hooked.

Since then, I have taken dozens of road trips to various blacksmithing and bladesmithing events around Michigan and the US and taken and taught multiple classes. I’ve been a Michigan Artist Blacksmith Assoc. member since 2017 and the American Bladesmith Society since 2018 with an apprentice smith rating. Most recently, I became a Forged in Fire champion on season 8 episode 22 “Fire and Water” where I built a Hwando in rounds one and two and a Woldo in the finale.

All forging, heat treating, grinding, and finishing is done within the 4 walls of my shop. Only the best high carbon steels are used to make my knives to achieve the ultimate levels of sharpness and toughness. Handle materials range from exotic woods from around the world to premium durable synthetic materials. Aside from knives, I also produce decorative ironwork, tools, and small hatchets.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
So many struggles along the way. The early years were all about getting the right tools, meeting the right people, and building the basic skills. Now that I have all those, the struggles don’t go away, they become more focused. Now the common struggles include finding my style or identity in my work, constantly trying to become more efficient while still being creative, and really analyzing myself, my work, and what I want to get out of this venture. I’ve spent the last few years just trying to get to a place with a good balance of pushing myself to become better but at the same time still making sure I am enjoying what I do.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hemker Blacksmithing LLC ?
The main part of my business that has grown immensely the last few years has been my classes. I teach a couple different classes but the main one is my beginner bladesmithing class. At Hemker Blacksmithing, we offer a unique experience for aspiring bladesmiths to learn the craft of bladesmithing. These classes are taught by Forged in Fire Champion, Eric Hemker and provide a hands-on approach to the art of forging, grinding, and finishing high-quality blades. Our classes provide a comprehensive introduction to the art, giving students the opportunity to create their own custom knives. Beyond the classes I get to create my own one-of-a-kind pieces of world class cutlery. I pride myself in taking in raw materials and turning out a beautiful piece made 100% in house.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Thankfully, my business was not really affected by the Covid-19 crisis. I am a one man shop so I was actually able to get a lot of time in the shop during that time.

Pricing:

• Every piece varies in price depending on features and complexity

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hemkerblacksmithing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hemker_blacksmithing/profilecard/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/uBiZD2ihJNSvWxDX/