Sparking a love for forging and metal work has been paramount for NorthStar Forge founder and ABS Journeyman Smith Jason Kraus. That’s an impression that was realized in former NorthStar Forge apprentice, Francis Beck, who continues his passion in blacksmithing, recently completing his latest piece of art, now available in our online store.
Beck’s curiosity for moving metal began nine years ago at the age of 13.
“I was just doing a lot of hunting and trapping, and I wanted to make the tools for that,” he said.
He started off making knives and moved into more of the ornamentals and utilitarian ironworks four years ago.
“I like that there’s just endless possibilities. Honestly, that is literally the best part of blacksmithing – you can learn anything anytime, and there will never be an end to it,” Beck said.
He likes to focus on creating things that are going to be used daily, predominantly, kitchen and homeware.
“I like making kitchen utensils, hot pads, spatulas, [and] I’d like to move in to making some tables and kitchen ornaments …”
The sculpture side is also cool, he said, because it allows for a lot of creative and emotional expression.
Beck learned about Kraus and NorthStar Forge while attending the same gym. They connected via email as Beck inquired about a potential apprenticeship.
Although Kraus wasn’t interested in an apprentice at that time, he invited Beck to the shop for a visit. They both will tell you Beck earned his keep when he picked up a broom and began cleaning up the shop without being asked.
What he actually saw was a work ethic that seems to be getting harder and harder to find, Kraus said.
Whether it was his continuous encouragement and skill-sharing to an invitation to help teach classes, Kraus is credited for being a big stepping stone in Beck’s pursuit of this field.
“And that was probably one of the biggest reasons I was still doing it . . . somebody was there, helping me and saying that I could keep going,” Beck said.
Kraus said he’s really proud of Beck and his achievements.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what else he accomplishes,” Kraus said.
Beck’s latest piece even has Kraus inspired to get creative beyond bladesmithing, as well.
“I feel this is a truly inspiring piece that makes me want to pursue more blacksmith projects like this, rather than just knife-making,” he said.
Beck also learned a lot by taking solo knife-making classes with ABS Master Smiths Jason Knight and Steve Schwarzer.
This helped push him more into the realm of blacksmithing, though he still enjoys knife-making, Beck said.
Other inspiring blacksmiths have been Steve Fontanini, out of Wyoming; and Nathan Kimpell, a metal worker who grew up in Minnesota and now lives in Montana.
Beck recently graduated from North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene and is pursuing his career options. His main aspirations are starting a family and finding a job he loves to do.
He also plans to pursue some ornamental ironwork, specifically larger scale sculptures.
Beck’s latest sculpture titled “Handiwork,” available in our online store, depicts a flying hummingbird feeding from the nectar of a flower, an inspiration that came to him while sitting in church.
He was thinking about the beauty of not only the hummingbirds and the flowers from which they feed, but also the overall beauty in God’s creation. “. . . and it’s cool because He created [the hummingbirds and flowers], but He also created me to create that, which I think is just as cool.”
For more about Handiwork, click here.
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