Steve Williams was born and raised on a ranch in Southwest Colorado. After graduating from high school he entered the construction industry, becoming a heavy equipment operator. After fifteen years in this field, Steve was ready for a change. He had always enjoyed working with metal and so his wife, Christie, suggested blacksmithing. Steve completed Frank Turley’s basic blacksmithing course in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he learned traditional blacksmithing techniques using a forge and anvil. He went to work for Mike Boone of Boone Wrought Iron in Dolores, Colorado where he apprenticed for two years and then went on to apprentice with Rod Pickett at Forging Ahead in Durango, Colorado for another four years.During this six year apprenticeship Steve was building his own shop and developing his own style of blacksmithing. In January of 2002, he opened the Cowboy Forge Blacksmith Shop at his home in Mancos, Colorado. It is a small one-man shop utilizing blacksmithing tools Steve had acquired since entering the field of blacksmithing. Steve's specialty is creating household furnishings with a western flare. He is becoming well-known for his unique braid which combines three pieces of metal together. With the application of a warm brown patina the braid takes on a beautiful leather appearance. Steve offers his designs in several colors including the natural iron finish. Steve is proud to be a member of the Grand Valley Blacksmith Guild, the Rocky Mountain Smiths as well as the Artist's Blacksmith Association of America (ABANA).
Have fun browsing through The Cowboy Forge website and let Steve know if you find items of interest. He will get orders out as soon as possible, but remember it is a one man shop and each item is made individually. Custom orders are also accepted.
