John’s Story

John’s fascination with blacksmithing began in high school, when he first discovered the power of shaping raw steel by hand. That early spark was temporarily set aside when he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Afghanistan. Upon returning home, John settled in Hickory, North Carolina, determined to pursue the dream he had put on hold: to become a blacksmith.

From 2016 to 2019, John worked two jobs: one to keep the lights on, and the other to build what would become Old Hickory Forge. His first workshop was tucked into the basement of a rented home. Thank goodness for a patient and supportive landlord. In 2019, John took a leap of faith and committed to Old Hickory Forge full time. That same year, his skills were tested on a national stage when he competed on the History Channel’s Forged in Fire (Season 6, Episode 17).

After years of hard work, John was able to purchase a home in Marion, North Carolina, where Shop Number Two was born in 2021. The expanded space allowed for better equipment, larger projects, and continued growth as an artisan. It was during this time that John also became a respected pillar in the blacksmithing community. Through his straightforward, down-to-earth YouTube channel, he broke complex projects into approachable, easy-to-understand lessons, earning the trust and admiration of makers around the world.

Old Hickory Forge is equally known for its commitment to giving back. John regularly donates completed works to be raffled for charity, raising funds for organizations such as veteran support groups, the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Feeding America.

In 2024, while John was improving his Marion shop, Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina. A landslide destroyed his home, shop, and everything he owned. John was seriously injured but survived by the grace of God. In the aftermath, the blacksmithing community rallied around him, offering overwhelming support during his recovery. John spent the following year healing, both physically and mentally, by hiking the entire 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail.

After completing the trek, John returned to his childhood home in Pittsboro, North Carolina. There, he transformed his late father’s hobby shop into a fully equipped professional forge. Grounded by his past and strengthened by adversity, John is once again forging ahead, continuing to grow as a blacksmith and giving back to the community that carried him through his darkest hours.

Written by: Hannah Van Goor, 2026