Blacksmith with a Crushed Hand

Hello There,

I am Stephan Fowler, I have been a Blacksmith and Knifemaker since 2002 and very much love teaching the craft and making things with my hands.

Unfortunately I crushed my right hand in November last year. I had hoped that with some more time and recovery I would be able to get back to the level of work from before my injury. 

I can work, and do good work. Just a month after getting the pins removed from my fingers I was able to pass my Journeyman Smith presentation with the American Bladesmith Society . 

Here comes the problem, I was layed off from my fulltime job in construction two weeks ago and would really like to think that I can support my family (Wife and Three little girls with another on the way) as a Knifemaker.

In order for that to work I need a couple of tools to take the strain off of my mangled fingers.

The primary tool needed is a Power Hammer.
Obviously with my hand swinging a large blacksmith hammer is much more difficult than it used to be.
Primarily I have been looking at the Big Blu 65.

The only other major issue that I have is sewing leather for my sheaths which requires a Leather Sewing Machine.


My Family and I would be forever greatful to any assistance as we move forward in another phase of our lives.