Since 2018, every Saturday morning, I load up the truck with my brother and my father and head to the heart of downtown Bentonville. Before most people have even poured their second cup of coffee, we’re already setting up at the farmers market—unloading anvils, tools, and steel, prepping for another day of live blacksmithing.
We’re Sioux Creek Forge, a small family-run operation rooted in craftsmanship, sweat, and fire. What started as a weekend passion project has slowly grown into something much deeper: a living showcase of our family's heritage and skill.
Our forge shows aren’t just a spectacle—they’re an education. Kids gather wide-eyed as sparks fly, while older folks often stop to swap stories or ask questions. We walk them through the process, from heating and hammering to shaping and finishing, explaining how each product is made with intention and grit. There's something about the rhythm of the hammer and the glow of the coals that draws people in, connects them to something old but not forgotten.
Some come for the knives or hooks, others just for the stories. But what matters most to us is showing people that good work still exists—honest, handmade, and built to last. We've watched the market change over the years, but the conversations, the community, and the sense of purpose haven’t.
Every Saturday at the Bentonville Farmers Market is more than just a day of selling—it’s a chance to carry on a tradition, one swing of the hammer at a time.