We are a jewelry and metallurgy shop located in Knoxville, Tennessee, specializing in Celtic and Norse jewelry and hand-forged items ranging from weaponry and armour to traditional accessories. These items are what my wife Paula, has appropriately termed "Barbarian Bling."
The shop is named after my 5-year-old son Gunnar, who is my constant companion, best friend, and business partner (his cards say he's the boss). He is my inspiration.
My journey to becoming an artist, jeweler, and, metal smith has been long and complex. I feel fairly certain that I have not taken the most conventional route to becoming an artisan. Therefore, I feel compelled to take up a little space here and tell my story as well a publicly thanking those people that have helped me
After leaving the military I turned to the Executive Protection field where I spent five years protecting celebrities, corporate executives and various other VIPs. Combined with providing high-level personal protection I also spent a great deal of time training police departments and private citizens in the tactical use of firearms, batons, and edged weapons. Eventually, I became very disenchanted with this lifestyle, and I set out to reclaim my identity and humanity. To this end, I moved to the Virgin Islands.
Upon arriving on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands I met several other former veterans that had been, more or less, successful in moving on with their lives. As a result of these contacts I began apprenticing as a Jeweler under a former Marine named Jonathan. Since that time I have worked as a bench Jeweler in several fine Jewelry stores and have continued to learn new aspects of metal smithing. In addition to continually working on my craft, I am also working on my PhD in early Medieval History at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Many thanks and acknowledgements go to my friend Mr. Fuad Accawi who has graciously given his time and resources to teach me the art of bladesmithing. I must also acknowledge Mr. Gray Smith for his willingness to share his knowledge in the art of blacksmithing. I would be remiss if I did not take the time here to thank Mr. David (Muffin) Piercy and Mr. Michael Helms, two of my exceptional martial arts students. This website would not be a reality if it were not for the efforts of these fine young men. Finally, to my wonderful wife Paula and my son Gunnar, THANKS!!! None of it would be worth anything without you!