Karyn and Mike de Punte', Cape Forge
Toolmaker of the Month, 02/2007
After a couple months out west to close
2006, we stay on the east coast of the US for a second month,
featuring the Father-Daughter team of Mike and Karyn de Punte' of
Maine's Cape Forge as our February spotlight toolmaker.
Cape Forge's tools are all individually
hand forged one at a time. Nothing compares to a hand forged
tool when it comes to quality and edge holding capabilities.
The individual care that goes into each tool will become apparent
whether you are a beginner or an old time carver. They are
unconditionally guaranteed and made to last for generations with
proper care. Cape Forge tools are forged from W1 or W2 tool
steel, basic high carbon steels. The tools are forged to shape
using a traditional coal fire and a power hammer.
During the forging, the thickness of
the steel is actually reduced by more than half. This step refines
the grain structure within the steel.
The result is a steel that has
unbeatable edge holding capabilities. Once the steel has been forged
it is then profiled to the appropriate shape and is ready for
selective heat-treating. Heat treating also plays a very important
role in edge holding.
 Tools
are treated to 62 on the Rockwell C Scale. This is as hard as
you can comfortably create a blade without it becoming too brittle.
The tools are then triple-tempered; this relaxes the steel and gives
it more toughness than the standard single temper.
The tools are handled in angelique and
sharpened to a razor edge. There are actually over 20 separate
steps that goes into each blade, producing a tool that will hold an
edge indefinitely and need only stropping for edge maintenance. We
individually test each tool to meet our standards before it is sent
to you.
A band-aid is sent with each order as
our disclaimer and a reminder that these are very sharp tools and
should be handled appropriately.
Since all of Cape Forge's tools are
completely made by hand, the basic shapes will always remain the
same but you will see slight variations between the tools. You will
also notice we have improved on some of our existing tools within
the catalog.
We are always listening to wood-carvers
and take every opportunity to implement your ideas. Our basic
process has not changed; but a few shapes and the handle styles have
been modified at your requests. We encourage your input and welcome
your ideas. You are the backbone of great tools.
Mike de Punte' - The Brains
Mike came up with the idea of creating
first rate products for woodcarvers back in 1987. He had been
making custom hunting and art knives for 15 years or so and was
discouraged by the fact that these magnificent pieces were rarely
used. At the same time he noted the lack of wood working tools
available. The idea was formed and he ran it by his daughter and
Cape Forge came to life.
Mike has his Journeyman rating in the
American Bladesmiths Society and still continues to create custom
hunting and Damascus art knives on a limited basis. The
operation has been split into two locations for the past 10 years.
Mike and his wife Janath reside on Cape Cod where he does all the
forging and finishes all the chisels.
Karyn de Punte' - The Brawn
Karyn earned her BA degree in
Industrial Education and Technology in 1988. Being one of the
only women in the department she often wondered where this degree
was going to lead her. When her father ran the idea of edged
tools by her she knew it was something to pursue. She moved
back to Cape Cod in 1988 and started apprenticing with her father.
Karyn spends most of her time behind on
of her several grinders where she finishes all the knives. The
business is run out of Karyn's home and it is likely you will speak
with her when placing your order. Karyn and her husband Mark
reside in Maine where he is a Professor of Bio-chemistry at the
University of New England. October of 1994 brought Mark and
Karyn twin boys -David and Logan-and Andrea joined the family in
January of 1999. Although the kids are not allowed to touch
the knives until they are well into their fifties, we are hoping
they will become part of the tradition of knife makers.
Jim Esten
Cedarburg, Wisconsin
January 2007 |
