Our Story
From Antarctic Ice to Damascus Steel
The Forge Master’s Journey
Jason C. Weale brings a rare combination to the ancient art of bladesmithing: the precision of a professional engineer and the soul of a traditional craftsman. With 25 years of experience solving infrastructure challenges in the world’s most extreme environments—from the South Pole of Antarctica to the remote reaches of Greenland and Alaska—Jason approaches each blade with both scientific rigor and artistic passion.
The journey began at age 12, when young Jason first stood beside his uncle’s forge. His uncle, a kinetic sculptor, introduced him to the transformative power of fire and steel. That early spark would lay dormant through years of formal education, including an engineering degree from the University of Vermont, and a distinguished career as a polar engineer tackling some of the planet’s most challenging technical problems.
Yet the call of the forge never truly faded. After decades of applying metallurgical knowledge to infrastructure in extreme conditions, Jason returned to his first passion. Today, Viking Made Forge represents the convergence of these parallel paths: engineering precision meets artistic tradition, modern metallurgy honors ancient techniques, and every blade tells a story of transformation.
The Path to Mastery
First Spark
Forged first knife under the guidance of uncle, a kinetic sculptor, igniting a lifelong passion
Engineering Foundation
Graduated from University of Vermont with engineering degree, building fundamental knowledge of metallurgy
Polar Engineering
Applied engineering expertise from Antarctica to Alaska, mastering materials science in extreme conditions
Traditional Training
Studied at New England School of Metalwork and trained with Master Smiths in traditional techniques
Viking Made Forge
Juried artist with League of NH Craftsmen, creating heirloom blades that unite tradition and innovation
Professional Excellence
Viking Made Forge exhibition booth showcasing handcrafted blades
Presenting at prestigious New England craft fairs
Recognition & Credentials
Professional Engineer
Licensed PE with 25 years experience
Juried Artist
League of NH Craftsmen
Exhibition Featured
Annual Sunapee Fair Exhibition Tent
2025 Carlisle Award
Best Maple Syrup in New Hampshire
Our Philosophy
“Every blade I create results from an artistic passion to authentically represent historical traditions through knowledge gained from archaeological source material and extensive training with masters in the field. I strive to create unique and functional tools that are intended to be used every day and handed down from one generation to the next.”
— Jason C. Weale, Bladesmith
Beyond the Forge
Black Dog Bees and Maple Trees
Together with his wife Jennifer, Jason operates an agricultural business in Lebanon, New Hampshire. They nurture an apiary producing award-winning honey, raise Icelandic chickens, and produce maple syrup that earned the prestigious 2025 Carlisle Award for best in the state.
Complete Craftsmanship
Every Viking Made Forge blade is entirely produced in-house. From designing and creating Damascus pattern steel, to smelting Oroshigane in a traditional bloomery furnace, to heat treating and finishing—each step happens in the Lebanon, NH studio. All materials are responsibly sourced, with many handle woods coming from local New Hampshire forests.
Visit the Forge
Viking Made Forge is located in the heart of New Hampshire’s Upper Valley region. Our blades can be viewed at League of NH Craftsmen galleries and at select craft fairs throughout New England.
Viking Made Forge
Lebanon, New Hampshire
Professional Bladesmith | Licensed Engineer