Did you choose the craft or did the craft choose you?
It worked both ways. I grew up alongside the blacksmith's fire and the sound of hammers, so it felt natural for me to continue pursuing this career. At the age of 17, I forged ploughshares on my own for the first time and decided to continue what my father had started.
What are the main characteristics of your products?
All of the products are forged, which is how they get certain advantages in relation to modern industrially made products of this type. Every cleaver has a handmade handle and rivets. We still make them the same way my father did about 30 years ago.
© Petar Stračević
What's your working day like?
There are no fixed working hours because my workshop is part of my home. I usually start at 7am with services, and later on, I work on the production of new products. The sales fairs are usually on the weekends, and I have to be present there as well.
What is your advice to future blacksmiths?
In order for production to be successful and for the product to be of good quality, you must develop your skills through work and constant learning. Be persistent, don’t give up too quickly. If you put a lot of effort and love into what you do, success is granted.