Panther Creek Forge

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, just east of the Gauley River, there is a hidden treasure that lies right under one’s nose when passing through the area. A story that started out as practicality and curiosity has blossomed into success, just after twelve short years. Panther Creek Forge, a small local business, has been producing hooks, racks, dinner bells, and pieces of art that have traveled far beyond their mountainous home. I took some time to correspond with the business’s owner, Mark Spencer, to see just what all treasures I could dig up.

At the age of nineteen a young Mark was inspired to start blacksmithing out of practicality, as his house was being built. The knack for it soon turned him to making small items to use as gifts for those people that he loved. The gifts sparked the interest of others which soon led to a few sales. The turning point was when an aunt put in an order for curtain hardware. It didn’t take long for Mark to suspect that this might very well be a doable business venture.

Two main things were needed for making the orders, coal and steel. The coal Mark uses for his blacksmithing often comes from mines or simply homeowners as they change their heat sources, often because of the slump in coal production in the area. With the coal as a heat source he softens, bends, and shapes mild steel into everything his imagination can create.

Mild steel is ideal with its low carbon content, making the finished product strong. The steel is often recycled, also making it a positive for the environment. Steel production is reliant upon coal, metallurgical coal to be exact. This type of coal is a bituminous coal, or a hard coal, that is used to reach high temperatures in the steel making process. Just like with any other product we use, the use of recycled steel keeps virgin material from having to be used.

In the beginning of his business venture recycling was done simply because it was a necessary step to cut costs. Making sure pieces weren’t wasted; this business was conserving supplies from the start. Now it is done because it is still cost effective but Mark also knows it is the right thing to do for the environment.

How business has blossomed over the past decade! Now Mark has ironwork in all fifty states and has reached beyond the boarders into fifteen countries! Some of his work has been geared more toward sculptures and special order pieces but hooks and racks are still the bread and butter of his place. When asked what his most memorable order was he said it was a tie between two, “One was an order I made of a dragon biting its tail forming an 8” ring that was used during full costume, but real wedding for a Renaissance Fair going couple.”

The second order? Hinges for the set of “Twelve Years a Slave.” The Oscar and Academy Award winning movie that caused a stir in Hollywood and had everyone close to Mark cheering. You just might say that he held the set they used together, at least the doors! Proof that hard work, honesty, and a good attitude can make anything possible; even bring small pieces of Appalachia to the big screen.

When asked what advice he would give aspiring blacksmiths that want to stay where they are and get better he responded, “Do what you say you’re going to do. The best advertising is a happy customer, and own your mistakes immediately and wholeheartedly.” Wise words from a man that has been able to reach the corners of Earth from his small hometown.

Are you interested in learning more about Panther Creek Forge? Maybe even wanting to explore your option on a piece all your own? Head on over to Mark’s website listed below for examples and details! (Also, check out my elephant that Mark made below!)

panthercreekforge.com