About the Artist

Born and raised jumping trains  all over the backcountry of  Nebraska, spending summers free climbing the Rocky Mountains, and forged his formative years running and hustling on the streets of Chicago, Aaron has had an interesting life - to say the least!

Obviously -  he is a jack-of-all-trades. He apprenticed as a blacksmith in his youth and trained as a mountaineer and survivalist. Upon his relocation to Chicago, Aaron spent his adult life bouncing between the kitchen, construction site, and dojo.  In 2014, Aaron started bladesmithing after years of  dreaming of having his own shop. 

Using his love and background of blacksmithing, outdoorsmanship, martial arts, carpentry and the culinary arts, Aaron brings a wide knowledge base to the table when he designs a blade or piece of gear.  Each piece's intended use or purpose is thought through meticulously. Aaron also field tests all of his designs in a variety of conditions and terrains so he is confident of their performance and longevity. Aaron's art blends practicality and tradition with an urban eclecticness. 

Aaron has always been inspired by historical Japanese samurai and their bushido. The majority of his work has a decidedly Japanese-inspired flavor. From custom menuki and rock solid cord wrapping, the traditional chisel grinds seen on traditional woodworking and samurai blade details is the name of the game at Aaroneous Blades. Like a samurai's blade, an Aaroneous blade is hard bitten, gritty, and made to be used. These are NOT blades made to age gracefully under plexiglass in a study or man-cave, but to be worn daily, used and depended on. 

In addition to bladesmithing, Aaron spends his time longboarding around Chicago, hiking wherever he can find an incline, and tending to his ever growing zoo with long-time partner Lauren - their current brood stands at 4 rabbits -Baby Spice, Luna, Bella, and Roger, a feisty parakeet (who thinks she's a rabbit) named Tequila,  and a German Shepard named Hossa. 

Please feel free to reach out to nerd out about bladesmithing, blade philosophy, metallurgy, or bunnies - Aaron has been known to make fast friends with his clients or anyone who loves to talk shop or animals.