Blacksmith Ramey Israel

Blacksmith Ramey Israel "got bit by the bug" of reenacting when he was invited to a shoot not long after moving to Greenville, Ohio, for his work.

"I went on a woods walk," he said. "That's pretty much how it started. That was in 2008."

Two years later he established Iron Cross Forge as a business.

"My maternal grandfather and mother were artists in their own right," Israel said. "The artisan blood was there so to speak.

"I went full time for a few years," he said, "but I'm back to doing it part time."

Ramey and his wife, Beth, have been married for 23 years and have two boys in high school – Ty and Ethan.

"Both of them help when they can," he said.

He and Ty are certified to shoot cannons, and they often assist on cannon crews.

Why?

"The big boom," he said. "You're playing with fire.

"But also the historical aspects," he said. "We get a real bang out it."

After 15 years, Israel said his blacksmithing knowledge continues to increase and he enjoys learning more about his craft from fellow blacksmiths, especially those with many years of experience.

"My skill set keeps improving," Israel said. "I would like to go a little bit more into the historical aspect, recreating original pieces – whether that be cookware, hardware, things of that nature.

"I would like to continue improving my display and knowledge base to be as historically accurate as I can – as time and finances permit."

Today, Israel said his work is about half-and-half between other reenactors and the public.

"I make and carry things reenactors want and need but also make things the public wants and needs," he said.

In previous years, he said a blacksmith was able to focus more on making items for other reenactors, but they must adjust as fewer people get involved. He said 70% of a friend and mentor's business was for reenactors, but that market is smaller now.

"So I have to look for what the general public can use," he said. "(For example) what could somebody doing an old house restoration use?"

He enjoys that aspect of the work.

"One of the greatest blessings about doing what I do is being able to bring someone's ideas and dreams to fruition," he said. "Using God's gifts to help others."