Our History
Studying for four years while active duty in the Navy, Johnathan learned a lot about blacksmithing and bladesmithing and, after dealing with personal service-related issues, started realizing the benefits of art therapy in the form of forge work. Seeking to help others with similar issues, he started Big Bear’s Forge in 2018.
Johnathan originally started Big Bear’s Forge as a platform to sell his hand-forged railroad spike knives, but, upon seeing the advantage of working with his hands in processing stress and anxiety, he is hoping to one day extend this opportunity to others. Big Bear’s Forge focuses on forge work, carpentry, and animal handling as therapeutic options to assist veterans and first responders with service-related and mental health issues.
Feb 2018.
Founder, Johnathan, started utilizing bladesmithing as a therapy technique to combat PTSD.
Aug 2018.
Big Bear’s Forge Shop was created on Etsy to sell hand-forged knives.
2020.
Covid-19 Pandemic.
Apr 2021.
First live demonstration at LifeGate Church in Villa Rica, GA.
Aug 2021.
Big Bear’s Forge’s first online demonstration on Facebook.
Sep 2021.
First talks of turning Big Bear’s Forge into a nonprofit.
Nov 2022.
Became incorporated as Big Bear’s Forge & Homestead, Inc.
First meeting of the board.
Our Mission
We wish to support veterans and first responders by giving them the knowledge, tools, and facility to work through the issues that they are currently facing. We believe in the cathartic effect of working with your hands, whether it be handcrafting knives, designing wood pieces, or tending to animals, and strive to provide this opportunity to others who seek mental freedom.
OUR VISION
We hope to one day have a fully equipped brick and mortar location for multiple people to use the facilities at the same time and to allow for more people to get the assistance they need. In the meantime, all proceeds go towards either helping veterans and first responders with mental illness and post-traumatic stress issues or towards practically building our vision.
“Johnathan was prompt, professional, and friendly; … I would definitely do business with BBF again.”
Liz Banks
Big Bear's Forge & Homestead 