Forged in Service: The Story of Seth Lopez
My journey as a knifemaker has been anything but ordinary. As a Navy SEAL, I spent years operating in some of the most challenging environments, yet my passion for crafting knives never left my side. I packed up my tools and carried them with me on every deployment, turning makeshift spaces into mobile workshops where I could hammer, grind, and shape steel into functional works of art. For me, knifemaking wasn’t just a creative outlet—it was a source of focus, discipline, and connection to something greater during high-pressure moments. Now, having transitioned from military service, I’ve dedicated myself fully to the craft, channeling the resilience and precision I developed in the Navy into every blade I create.
Hey y'all!
My name is Seth Lopez, and I’m a bladesmith with a passion for crafting knives that are as functional as they are beautiful. My love for the craft began at a young age when I saw a blacksmith forging steel nails at a local fair. Watching someone shape a solid material like steel with fire and hammer ignited a curiosity that has fueled my journey ever since.
At just 12 years old, I started experimenting with hammering roofing nails flat and filing edges using my dad’s Leatherman. With limited tools—an angle grinder, some files, a hand drill, and a torch—I spent my teenage years crafting small knives and discovering the satisfaction of shaping something with my own hands. That feeling of pride and fulfillment in finishing a blade has stuck with me to this day.
About seven years ago, I built my first propane forge, opening up new creative possibilities in my craft. Forging steel, crafting intricate Damascus patterns, and tackling the challenges of shaping raw metal became a true passion. Even during my time as a Navy SEAL, I stayed dedicated to knifemaking. I would pack up my tools and bring my shop with me on deployments, working on blades whenever I could. These moments not only refined my skills but also provided a sense of focus and fulfillment during some of the most challenging times in my life.
Now that I’ve finished my journey in the Navy, I’m pursuing knifemaking full-time, pouring my heart into every blade I create. My goal is to never stop learning—to remain a student of the craft and to share my passion with others. Whether it’s through pushing my own boundaries or inspiring someone to try making something themselves, my hope is that my work reflects the love and dedication I have for this timeless art.
-Seth