Meet Heather J Haas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather J Haas.

Heather J, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It started several years ago with the idea of redesigning the wine key to be more efficient one-handed. From there, it turned into wanting to make my own bar kit. I was in rural Eastern Kentucky, visiting a friend. Trying to decide what direction to point my life in, and I revisited the wine key idea. I stumbled upon the American Bladesmith Society. I had never heard of bladesmithing or even picked up a forging hammer before. I decided to go way out of my comfort zone and go to the next available class. It was a now or never choice. The next month I was on a plane bound for Maine learning to make knives. Best irrational decision I have made to date.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle for me was the decision to end my 20-year career in the bar industry and change course. I think you have to have somewhat of an ego to be able to know you can stand on your own, despite the odds and opinions. Anyone that knows me knows I like being in the shadows. So to put myself out there has been interesting, to say the least. I’m learning to embrace it.

Far and away, the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. Theodore Roosevelt

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a full-time bladesmith, my speciality is custom hand-forged cutlery and bar tools. Under my brand H.J.Haas, I also do metal and wood fabrication for the hospitality industry. My proudest moments since starting is when I have the ability to be able to give back to my peers and community. I’m not sure if there is something specific that sets me apart from my peers. I just know that I want to make the best tools I can that create stories that last generation.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Whenever I give my dad a new knife or tool, the look on his face, you can’t buy that.

Contact Info:

• Website: Hjhaas.com
• Email: heatherjhaas@gmail.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/h.j.haas

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.