THE MAN BEHIND THE SHARPENING
Labrado Forge provides the highest quality culinary and tool sharpening in the Bay Area for commercial and residential clients.
Established in 2017 as the natural progression of 15+ years exploring the arts of blacksmithing and bladesmithing, we are committed to making your fine cutlery and tools perform to their utmost potential. Efficient, professional service, exceptional value and unparalleled quality are the hallmarks of Labrado Forge. Our passion is meeting the needs of your purpose; whether cutting, slicing, chopping or trimming, and ensuring that our customers receive value from their tools via our services.
I was born and raised in Fairfield, California. Twelfth of fifteen children, our parents always kept us busy so I have always worked with my hands. After graduating from Armijo High School and a short stint in the Army, I tried my hand at many occupations from construction, to sales to bartending, working in a factory in Switzerland, in wineries in the Napa Valley, painting cars and as a semi-professional musician with local groups such as the Time Bandits, Sapo Guapo and Section G.
I eventually completed my formal education at UC Davis where I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in History with high honors. My undergraduate thesis on the life of Chief Solano was published in 2003.
June 2022 I retired from my second career as a Special Education Teacher after 12 years in order to dedicate myself to knife sharpening and knife making, along with spending more time with my wife, daughter, grandchildren, along with the dogs, chickens, parakeets and bees with whom we share our humble home.
It is my personal commitment to my customer that the knives, tools and all items that I sharpen, repair or make with my hands are aesthetically beautiful and perform flawlessly every time you use them.
As always, stay sharp, my friends!
J.B. Ramirez
