Buster Cooey
Metal Fabrication
Stephen “Buster” Cooey here. My path to bladesmith/blacksmith/fabricator varies from most. I grew up in Florida and ended up in NYC where I dove into the film industry. I worked in the Lower East Side for about a year before moving to Los Angeles. After a great 15 -year career in film (behind the scenes, mind you) and a few years learning metal fabrication, I moved to Asheville, North Carolina. I opened “Dirty Anvil”—a small metal fabrication company—where I specialized in personalized orders of handmade furniture and architectural art. I first became interested in knives through local hammer-ins. When I relocated to Austin, Texas, I was unable to set up a shop and started working for a flight simulation company, focusing on 3D CAD and prototype work. I then began learning and researching how to become a bladesmith as well as setting up a good work space on my property. I fell in love with the craft due to the simplicity of a blade combined with the precision of detail and skill required to make this simple tool reach its full potential. Presently, I am leaning mostly towards crafting chef knives. The challenge of making a blade that can hold up to the long hours in the kitchen day after day and still maintain a sharp edge invigorates me. It is thrilling to see how each knife’s personality develops as I hone my craft.
Art Tour Stop 10: Guest artist of Jill Robinson
