Meet our wonderful instructors
Theo Nazz
Accomplished bladesmith, founder of Nazz Forge, and brilliant teacher.
Theo began teaching in 2016 and has grown his school from a handful of students forging out of a shared workshop to a fully operational forge with a waitlist of future blacksmiths itching for an opportunity to forge with him. His passion for sharing his knowledge is unmatched by his desire for creating his own spectacular blades.
To purchase some of Theo’s work, or to view his portfolio click here
Justin Kirck
As many nerdy young lads do, I took a book on blacksmithing out of the library, and read it religiously. I took it out of the library so many times, in fact, they gave it to me. I wound up finding a small anvil in the burned down barn across the street from my house, and built a forge out of an old barbecue and a hairdryer, and I asked for a bag of coal for Christmas. I don't know if getting it meant I was a good or a bad boy that year.
Early 2017, I wound up starting an apprenticeship with Theo Nazz, and I currently work as an assistant and instructor at his teaching forge in Brooklyn, NY. It has been eye opening, and I have been lucky enough to take my work from a hobby and passion into a full time job.
To purchase some of Justin’s work, or to view his portfolio click here
Stephanie Aiuto
I’ve always had an appreciation for knives and swords. When I was a child, my family would go on vacation and I would want to go see historic castles and armories. As teenager, I even picked up the sport of fencing.
A few years ago I looked up “nyc forge your own knife” online, which lead me to my first class with Theo. As I was finishing my first project, I was already planning my second…and my third. Eventually I stopped taking lessons and started forging my own projects. Now I’m lucky enough to be teaching students of my own.
To purchase some of Stephanie’s work, or to view her portfolio click here
DEVON JAMES
Devon started out as an apprentice and has worked his way from student to teacher.
To purchase some of Devon’s work, or to view his portfolio click here
TAHOMA HAUPTMAN
The newest addition to the Nazz Forge Instructors, Tahoma’s first experience bladesmithing was while traveling through Laos in early 2017. Since that time, he has continued to seek learning experiences, study and practice.
Coming from the culinary field, Tahoma feels a deep connection with tools of the kitchen. His focus as a cutler is on knives for food production.
Hailing originally from the great North West, Tahoma has lived mostly in New York City since 2007.
To view Tahoma’s work check him out on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tahomahauptman/
robert scarpati
I’ve been full-time artist, earning a living solely for my artwork for the past 25 years from tattooing illustration and engraving. I started studying all at Farmingdale College and Empire college studio program in NYC and at the arts student league in New York City. I’ve under West Griffen, Jim Blair and Lugo’s engraving.
To view Rob’s work check him out on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/robsparrowny/
JD Smith
A Mastersmith with over 25 years of teaching, JD has an understanding of steel like no other.