Nick Smolen has nearly twenty years shop experience as a tool maker. He began forging damascus in 1989 and now runs a full-time forge. He specializes in custom high carbon damascus, creating patterns to spec that complement the overall design of specific knife projects. He also makes stainless damascus and mosaic damascus billets as well as mokume bolster stock. Nick is an associate member of the Knifemakers' Guild, a member of the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America, and the Upper Midwest Blacksmiths Association. He and his wife Ann live in Wisconsin with their three daughters.