My name is Nicholas M. Bachtel and I am a 22 year old self taught bladesmith residing in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. I began bladesmithing in the fall of 2016, forging myself a knife to carry and use whilst fly fishing in the tributaries of Lake Erie. My home of Northeast Ohio presents me with the beautiful historic woods and river of the Cuyahoga River Valley along with the remnants of the Industrial Revolution that took place in Akron. These aspects of my home, my love for American History, and passion for the outdoors translate into my work. I work with mainly natural materials, high carbon steels and traditional techniques.