![]() Most of the month of March Hemker was involved with filming Wednesday’s episode. In March of this year, it all worked out - his availability, their need and his improved skills. Hemker got married in 2020 and that took all his attention and vacation time. Hemker shared a photo of a knife he made and got a casting call the next day. Then after Christmas 2019, “Forged in Fire” had a Facebook callout for photos of what their followers made over the Christmas break. He did, and tried again several times, each time they said, “keep practicing.” The staff responded telling Hemker to get some more experience. Having actual training was a good foundation and Hemker kept creating, not just knives, but other things like bottle openers and wall hooks.Īt some point he started watching “Forged in Fire” and several years ago responded to a casting call. One thing lead to another, including taking an introduction to blacksmithing class at Smith Shop Detroit. Realizing he could create useful things with simple tools was fascinating to him. ![]() The bucket crumbled after three uses, but “I was hooked,” Hemker said. “I didn’t realize people make weapons,” Hemker said.īut he wanted to give it a try so he and the buddy created a forge with a 12-quart bucket and a heat source of charcoal briquettes. Then Hemker and a friend got interested in watching “Men at Arms” where weapons from video games and movies are recreated. While at his job at GM, he learned more about metals. “A class in material science in college exposed me to the world of metals,” Hemker said. Going on to Ferris State University after Kellogg Community College, he got an engineering degree. “As a kid I always wanted to be an inventor,” Hemker said.Īt Quincy High School, he had Chuck Cook as a shop teacher who sparked his creativity. How do these contestants get interested in a historic trade?įor Hemker, a 2010 Quincy High School graduate, it grew over time. Wednesday he will be a contestant on “Forged in Fire.” Over time, culture changed, but the skills of a blacksmith are still appreciated by many, partly because of the History Chanel “Forged In Fire” blacksmith reality competition.Įric Hemker, a Branch County native, is a blacksmith and at 9 p.m. At one time, a blacksmith shop was in the heart of every community - an essential business used by every household.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |