Proprietor and resident Blacksmith Ray Gard began blacksmithing in 1989. He built himself a gas forge and started learning. At that time the only information obtainable was from retired blacksmiths and books. “The edge of the anvil” by Jack Andrews and “Professional Smithing” by Streeter which he devoured cover to cover.

In the early 1990s Ray joined the Victorian Blacksmiths Association (Later the Australian Blacksmiths Association Victoria inc) and was a founding member of the Mont De Lancey Blacksmiths Group. He is also a member of The Artists Blacksmiths Association of NSW and the Artists Blacksmiths Association of North America.

Nowadays as well as creating pieces for sale, Ray spends his time demonstrating at exhibitions and running classes from home in Tanjil South (Gippsland, near Moe), Victoria. Raven Forge also hosts a group of blacksmithing enthusiasts, who meet each month to collaborate on pieces, and celebrate the ancient art of blacksmithing.

Ray has a firm commitment to preserving the craft of the blacksmith by passing on the techniques of this ancient trade.