Meet Chris

Chris is an enthusiastic maker turned inventor who has honed his skills through self-teaching and the invaluable guidance of inspiring mentors he encountered along his journey.

Raised in the scenic Pacific Northwest, he developed a profound affinity for the outdoors, which serves as a wellspring of inspiration for his creative endeavors.

At the devious age of 10, Chris delved into woodworking, primarily carving Ozark style figurines and animals. As time passed, he ventured into more ambitious construction projects, including furniture and residential and shop construction, further expanding his knowledge of making.

Coming from a family of engineers, machinists, mechanics, gardeners, and DIY’ers definitely helped jumpstart his life long love of working with his hands.

In 2016, Chris founded Lion Punch Forge as a hobby, after he, his brother (Bruce), and father (Mike) purchased a coal-fired blacksmith shop.

Progressively Chris learned welding, basic fabrication, and light machine work. Originally these skills were acquired for the ability to fashion his own replacement parts and to forge knives and tools.

Eager to enhance the intricacy of his knife-making, Chris undertook the self-taught study of goldsmithing and metal forming.

The pursuit of jewelry-making rekindled Chris's passion for geology and propelled him into swiftly acquire skills in lapidary arts, such as gemstone faceting, slabbing, and cabochon making. Chris still avidly seeks out gemstone and lapidary rough for the thrilling pursuit of treasure hunting.

Having retired from a 20+ year career in public safety in 2020, Chris now devotes himself to running Lion Punch Forge full-time as a self-employed entrepreneur.

With a background as an instructor in public safety realm Chris has transitioned that role into his new position as a teacher and mentor within the metal arts and creative communities.

Chris openly shares knowledge and offers assistance to those seeking guidance. When queried about the most crucial aspect of running a business, he promptly replies, “People." Chris firmly believes that mastery of basic foundational skill paves the way to personal growth and propels the maker into more advanced feats. Consequently, Chris incorporates this principle into his tool designs.

Originally wanting to retire and make jewelry he realized that supporting a young family in a competitive market may not be his niche. Instead, Chris decided to use the skills he had collected over the years to make and invent tools as the primary business focus. Chris would then make and sometimes sell jewelry to teach and advertise the tools he invents.

As Lion Punch Forge has grown, Chris has added estate gemstones to the product offerings and continues to evaluate how the business can find its place to best support the community he has grown to love so much.

Meticulously crafting the Lion Punch Forge line of tools, Chris places great importance on evaluating the fundamentals. Often embracing simplicity in design, functionality, and imbuing them with a distinct bespoke and heirloom quality.