FireBrand Forge

FireBrand Forge Kirikomi Cutlery


The name of my bladesmithing endeavor is taken from the Japanese term for a particular blade “flaw” of a Japanese sword.

There are many different blade flaws defined to describe the condition of a particular blade from cracks to fingerprint rust marks to blisters in the steel. A “kirikomi” is a type of blade flaw characterized by a nick on the back of the blade from being struck by another blade. This may have occurred as the result of practice or combat. Either reason means the blade has been used as was intended a

nd the flaw is never corrected or “fixed”. My philosophy in my work bladesmithing kitchen cutlery is reflective of this idea that a flaw can be desirable, that in use, flaws can demonstrate a higher level of utility and aesthetics. My personal credo can be shown that flaws in my blades are analogous to “flaws” in the human condition. They make us the beautiful and unique individuals we are.

Last minute call for artists and vendors who would like to be a part of 40 West Arts District pride art crawl. FireBrand...
06/04/2026

Last minute call for artists and vendors who would like to be a part of 40 West Arts District pride art crawl. FireBrand Forge has a 600 square-foot gallery, near Danny the Comic Shop, the three leaches, and Pirate: Contemporary Art . 3-5 spots available, must contact us today. 720-317-5005 1580 teller st

06/04/2026

new W2 nakiri in the works

Today we are spotlighting an artist whose work is instantly identifiable at first glance. Donald Ungott (Donald T. Ungot...
03/31/2026

Today we are spotlighting an artist whose work is instantly identifiable at first glance. Donald Ungott (Donald T. Ungott) was a Siberian Yupik [Gambell, St. Lawrence Island], (1935-2002) whose whimsical owls stare out at the distant ice and snow from beautifully crafted inset eyes composed of fossil ivory and baleen pupils. These walrus ivory carvings are adorned with scrimshawed outlines which suggest at the physical attributes of the owl. Don is also known for his part in a cold war rescue of 11 Navy crewmen who had been shot downey Russian MiG-15’s over theBering Sea. 16 Alaska Army National Guard "First Scouts” stationed in Gambell travelled over the rough and treacherous terrain to posthumously earn the Alaska Heroism Medal, the state's highest award for valor during peacetime. His carving style has been passed to his family including his son and daughter (Fabian and Maxine Ungott) who are also talented carvers as there father was. You can see their work at Maruskiya's of Nome, ( https://www.maruskiyas.com/store/search/ungott ). See these owls at Island to Island Arts in FireBrand Forge at 1580 Teller St. Lakewood Colorado 80214. Come see them for yourself and add one of these extremely rare pieces of carving history to your collection.

03/31/2026

Join us for the Rites of Spring Art Crawl across the 40 West Arts District. Galleries, studios, and creative spaces along West Colfax will be open late for an evening of new exhibitions, featured artists, and special programming throughout the district (stay tuned). 🎨🖼️

Wander the district, meet local creatives, discover new exhibits, and experience the creative energy that fills 40 West every First Friday. 🚶

Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the arts or visiting for the first time, it’s an easy and welcoming way to enjoy local art and connect with the community. ✨

testing some new steel, this one was supposed to be tested to destruction, but I already like it. 
03/21/2026

testing some new steel, this one was supposed to be tested to destruction, but I already like it. 

03/07/2026
01/30/2026

just an FYI to everybody, we are open today. Have a couple new knives on hand, and some great pieces of Yupik art. Knock on the door cause I’ll be making knives, but I’m happy to show you some of these wonderful pieces in our gallery. 

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Lakewood, CO
80214

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(720) 317-5005

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