Tyler Hackbarth, owner and artisan of Wolf River Forge, has always been drawn to hands-on work and the characteristics that define makers and artisans.

Six years of active duty in the Army instilled discipline and a drive to work with his hands following his service. In 2018, Hackbarth's passion and skills culminated in the founding of Wolf River Forge, specializing in custom Damascus and high carbon steel blades.

Every single Damascus knife is like a fingerprint. A single swing of the hammer can change the pattern of the blade. –Tyler Hackbarth, owner of Wolf River Forge

Hackbarth's Wisconsin upbringing, hunting and fishing experiences, and his desire to create an accessible entry point for cooks and cutlery — in a high quality format — inspired him to start his custom knifeware business.

All-purpose kitchen knives, etched and made with Damascus steel by Wolf River Forge. (Submitted photos)

Damascus steel and high-carbon steel are both used in Wolf River Forge custom blades, but differ in their process and properties, he said. Damascus steel, distinguished by its unique patterns and etchings, involves a forging process that combines multiple layers of steel. Knives made from a high carbon steel are superior to store-bought cutlery, due to their ability to maintain a sharp edge for a longer period of time, Hackbarth explained.

“Every single Damascus knife is like a fingerprint,” Hackbarth said. “A single swing of the hammer can change the pattern of the blade. The way that a pattern comes out in subtle differences is never going to be identical.”

Wolf River Forge, located in Weyauwega, Wisconsin, retails hand-forges knives by Hackbarth. Hackbarth's clientele includes customers from across the state, with stories from the Chippewa Valley and Eau Claire.

 

Customers often return to Wolf River Forge because they're looking for unique, heirloom-quality pieces with durability that can be passed down through generations, he said. High performance and quality knife products have infinite uses, whether it's for hunting, fishing, the restaurant industry, or life at home.

“There are a lot of people that hunt and fish in Wisconsin, and they're tired of their knife that just doesn't hold up,” Hackbarth said. “Using the best steels — getting the best heat (treatment) — are all things I really focus on so that you're getting the best performance out of the knife that you buy.”

Hackbarth said it takes three months to a year for customers to collaborate with Wolf River Forage and design their ideal, personalized build.

The cost of high carbon steel hunting knives and cutlery typically falls between $300 and $500 each, Hackbarth said. Damascus hunting or kitchen knives, on the other hand, can range from $800 to $1,000, with the price varying depending on the specific steel layering and materials used for the custom handle.

Tyler Hackbarth, pictured at center, founded Wolf River Forge in 2018. Hackbarth crafts custom pieces for culinary use, hunting, fishing, and more. At right is a smaller high-carbon steel hunting knife; At left is a full set of custom kitchen knives. (Submitted photos)

Reach out to Wolf River Forge about a custom knife by emailing them at wolfriverforge@gmail.com or contact Hackbarth via their social media platforms (@WolfRiverForge).