About The Bladesmith

Chad Bowlin’s interest in bladesmithing began at just five years old, after watching Conan the Barbarian and seeing a blade pulled from the fire. What started as a childhood fascination stayed with him—and years later, it would become something much more.

​

In 2013, that interest turned into action when Chad forged his first blade in his backyard in Palestine, Texas. It wasn’t built under perfect conditions—it was forged through grit, frustration, and a determination to pursue something deeper, despite every reason not to. That first blade didn’t just mark the beginning of a skill. It marked the start of a calling.

​

Over the years, Chad refined his craft through relentless trial and error, studying master bladesmiths and putting in the hours at the forge. What began as a hobby steadily grew into Black Hog Knives—a name built on hard work, discipline, and earned skill.

​

From 2017 to 2024, while living in Florida, Chad expanded that foundation into something bigger. Black Hog Knives was recognized as Best in Florida in both 2023 and 2024, and Chad began teaching bladesmithing classes and mentoring apprentices—passing on not just technique, but the mindset behind the craft. In 2019, his growing reputation led to being recruited as a contestant on Forged in Fire (Season 6).

​

Now with over a decade of experience, Chad has trained under multiple Master Bladesmiths and continues to pursue mastery at the highest level. In November 2024, he passed his Journeyman Performance Test in South Africa, marking a major milestone in his progression. He is currently on track to earn his American Bladesmith Society Journeyman Bladesmith rating at Blade Show Atlanta in 2027, with his Master Bladesmith rating set firmly in his sights for the years to follow.

​

Chad is a member of the American Bladesmith Society as well as the Texas Knifemakers Guild, and his work reflects both the tradition and discipline those organizations represent.

​

His journey has taken him across the world, including time spent at South Africa’s Black Dragon Forge, where he further sharpened his skill, discipline, and understanding of the craft under pressure.

​

Today, Chad is back in Palestine, Texas, where he serves as the hands behind the steel at Black Hog Forge. He creates custom blades for clients around the world and offers hands-on classes for those who want to step into the forge and experience the process for themselves.

But for Chad, bladesmithing has never just been about making knives.

It’s about transformation.

​

Steel goes into the fire one thing—and comes out stronger, more refined, and more purposeful. That same philosophy carries into everything he builds today, from heirloom-quality blades to the experience he creates for every person who walks into his forge.

At Black Hog Forge, the goal isn’t just to make blades.

​

It’s to build something that lasts—in steel, and in the people who carry it.