Eric and Rebekah Carnes run Forged Together out of their backyard in Georgia. They chose the name because it is the two of them, start to finish, and because the work is tied to the commitment they already made to each other. There is no extra staff and no separate finishing room. If a knife leaves the shop, they both had their hands on it.
Their signature style is a rugged, functional fixed blade with a story attached. Compact EDC and outdoor pieces are the ones they enjoy most, especially when the handle combination is something they have not built before. They name each knife and write the story that goes with it. The goal is a tool someone carries because it means something, not because it filled a slot in a collection.
GripX™ became the handle they use most after running through just about every other material. They wanted grip, durability, and a look that still felt like their work. Ease of shaping helped. The feel after it is done helped more.
“I can’t stop buying the stuff. It’s simply what we use the most.”
Finishing is deliberate and a little rougher than a lot of shops run. They shape and contour first so the handle feels natural. Then they stop at 120 grit and leave a rocky texture in the material. WD-40 cleans it and brings up a bit of shine. Formula C goes on last. They do not want to over-polish GripX and sand off the reason they chose it.
The quality they chase in every piece is purpose. Feel, performance, and the story have to line up.
Follow the shop on Instagram at @ForgedTogether.
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