My interests in sword making run almost the full range. I have as much of an interest in fantasy swords, as I do in historical swords, both European and Japanese. I have come into contact with a number of talented smiths who have become both my friends and teachers as well. 

The most prominent influences on my work have been Randal Graham (one of my first teachers), Peter Johnsson, Rick Barrett, and Jody Samson.  Each of these men have impacted my interests in different genres of sword type, Historical European, Historical Japanese, and Modern Fantasy (what Jody calls contemporary) respectively.

I can make blades from both single steel types (monosteel construction), and Pattern-Welded steel, which I most often make myself or occasionally buy from other smiths.  Almost all smiths I know have a favorite set of steels, I normally prefer to use simpler steels, but I am capable of using high-alloy steels, especially when a highly contrasting pattern-welded steel or specific physical attributes are desired for a project. 

For my Japanese pieces I use low-contrasting simple steels, between 1000-2500 layers. For the European and Fantasy blades, I lean towards high-contrast steels, welded to between 600-1000 layers, depending on the piece and time period. I prefer making pieces from the 12-16th Centuries, but will occasionally make one from an earlier or later time period.

I am capable of producing most grind type found on historical swords, including hollow grinding in several styles.  The grind type is a consideration when designing a sword, some grinds work better with certain geometries, some don't work at all.  I also tend to key my blade thickness to the sword type and grinding style (unfortunately one size does not fit all).

My view on fantasy swords is that they should function like a real sword first and foremost. I will usually base my own fantasy pieces on the same functional physics as my historical swords. Call it "Historical Fantasy" if you want.

Depending on the project and the level of detail involve (as well as the style), I will either fabricate the hilt pieces (forging and grinding), or investment cast them from wax masters I carve.

I consider myself a swordsmith, rather than a knifesmith.  While I will make an occasional knife (normally for a specific show), these are made on a whim and don't happen often.

I have a full-time job, working 5 days per week on 3rd shift.  Any and all forged pieces are done as off-hours projects only.  Due to this I only accept a very limited number of commissioned swords each year, and normally it is based on projects that I am interested in doing.  Most of my work will be done on an "Inspirational" basis, or if there is a specific theory or technique I wish to explore.