About Us

Reaver Forge specializes in architectural and decorative ironwork. From kitchen utensils and grill tools, plant hangers to wall sconces, to full sets of fireplace tools and screens, even locks, latches and hinges can be found. If it can be made out of metal, chances are we can make it. Everything we offer is hand forged and finished. Repair work and special order items can be requested by leaving a comment in the Contact section. 

Demonstration at Heritage Forge 

NC State Fairgrounds

October, 2017

Brandon Willson

Owner- Reaver Forge

I was born and raised in upstate New York, and moved to North Carolina in 2007. In 2008, I enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas. Deployed 2 times to Afghanistan, and ended my term of service in 2014. 

I started blacksmithing around May of 2014 as a hobby. I was recently out of the military after spending 6 years in the U.S. Army, and at the time working a split shift job as a security guard. I needed something to fill my time, and always had a fascination with metalwork. Before working in the Army, I had completed vocational and college training as a collision repair technician, so metalwork was something I enjoyed. I found the Blacksmiths of Arkansas online and attended a meeting, and I fell in love with the craft. 

In 2016, I moved back to North Carolina just outside of Creedmoor, built a shop at home, and got back to what I love. Already enjoying blacksmithing, I searched for local groups and found the Triangle Blacksmiths and NCABANA. Both of these organizations have helped me progress as a blacksmith. I began volunteering at the NC State Fair at the Heritage Forge, and was appointed to a Heritage Forge committee position in 2017. I was the Vice President of NCABANA from February of 2018 - 2022. In 2021, at the height of the Covid pandemic, I opened Reaver Forge in Raleigh, and I have loved every minute of the Journey. 

I married my wife Cheryl in 2018, and have 2 children, Lexxi and Kaden. My family supports my love for this craft, and without them, I would not be where I am today.