“I bring the precision of a technical mind to the grit and soul of the workshop, ensuring that every blade is as scientifically sound as it is artistically inspired.”
The Story Behind Wood Fire Knives
I’m Rob Shrewsbury, I’ve spent my career navigating the high-stakes, invisible world of technical engineering and security. It is a world of data, logic, and uncompromising systems. But when the screens go dark, I find my balance in the grit and soul of the workshop.
At Wood Fire Workshop, I bring that same engineering precision to the kiln and the grinder. I believe a custom knife should be more than a tool; it should be a scientifically sound instrument that feels like a natural extension of the person holding it.
The Alchemist’s Science: The Heat Treat
If the design is the body, the heat treat is the soul. This is where my technical brain refuses to settle. I treat this stage as a scientific ritual, tediously researching the specific timing and temperatures required for each alloy.
While there is a touch of “age-old magic” in watching a glowing blade transform, I rely on a controlled kiln and rigorous testing to ensure every blade I produce is at its absolute peak performance. This uncompromising process is what separates a mere slab of steel from a true, hardened blade.
The Woodworker’s Touch: Ergonomics & Flow
Before I was a knifemaker, I was a woodworker. That history defines how I approach a handle. I don’t just build for aesthetics; I build for Comfort over Form.
Using “Cardboard Aided Design” (CAD) and plywood mockups, I test every curve against the anatomy of the human hand. Whether I’m working with the natural beauty of desert ironwood, the ruggedness of micarta, or the organic feel of antler, the goal is the same: a handle that bridges the gap between the steel and the user. If a knife doesn’t feel natural during a long day of BBQ prep or wood carving, it isn’t finished.
Data-Driven Craftsmanship
I select my steels based on the “mission” of the knife, not just the trend of the week.
- For the Kitchen: I lean toward AEB-L stainless—a professional-grade steel that offers incredible toughness and a fine edge without the high-maintenance requirements of carbon steel.
- For the Field: I gravitate toward workhorses like 52100 and 80CrV2, or modern performers like ProCut, balancing edge retention with the ease of sharpening that a true user requires.
By utilizing stock removal and precision kiln heat-treating, I maintain total quality control over every variable. This ensures that the knife you put to work today is the most reliable version of my craft.
A Family Legacy
Wood Fire Workshop isn’t a solo endeavor. It is a family legacy in the making.
- The Leather: Many of my blades are housed in custom-fit leather sheaths handcrafted by my father, who brings a traditional eye to every stitch.
- The Art: My daughter provides the creative spark for our digital presence, composing the music for our reels and helping shape the visual identity of the brand.
Every time I strike my maker’s mark into the steel, I’m reminded that no corners were cut. I am always improving, always researching, and always striving to make tomorrow’s knife even better than today’s. My hope is that these blades will not only serve you for a lifetime but will be passed down as part of your legacy, just as they are part of mine.
Wood Fire Workshop 