Bladesmithing & Blacksmithing in the heart of Texas
Texas Select Show
Texas Select Forged in Fire on April 2 – 3, 2021 is your opportunity to meet the bladesmiths in person.
Cowboy Szymanski (1st season Forged in Fire) invites the public to meet and interact with 25 of his fellow Forged in Fire bladesmiths. This event will be hosted at Phenix Knives (9am – 4pm) located in the historic 1891 blacksmith shop at 305 E. Main St. in Bellville, TX 77418.
Texas has the distinction of producing more competitors and champions on Forged in Fire than any other state. Visitors will have the opportunity to see live demonstrations by many Forged in Fire notable bladesmiths, visit with them about their work, get pictures and autographs, purchase forged knives, as well as tour the blacksmith shop and Carriage House (the 1896 E.O. Finn building) next door.
Jantz Knifemaking Supply and other vendors will also be on site to supply your knife-making needs, whether you are a beginner or an expert craftsman.
Welcome to the shop
Forged by Hand and Forged in Fire
My name is J. Alex Ruiz, I am a blacksmith and bladesmith from San Antonio Texas. I am also a Forged in Fire Champion (Season 5 Ep 14 "The Horseman's Axe") . Currently I hold the position of Lone Star Maker in the Texas Knifemakers Guild, member of Balcones Forged Central Texas Blacksmiths, The American Bladesmith Society, and the Artist Blacksmith Association of North America.
Made in Texas. Made by hand. Made to Last.
Quality control starts and stops with the sole maker and it's something I take seriously. Each blade is hand made in the shop and tested before handles are attached to insure quality performance each time.