Michael Allenson, founder of Allenson Armory, is a lifelong Arizona native. While born under a different surname, he chose to change it to Allenson to honor his father after he passed in 2009. The shop was also named in his honor, as Allen employed his son at his sheet metal factory. With the passing of his father in 2009 and his mother in 2010, Michael continued to run the business until it was sold off and closed at the end of 2011.
His first experience with blacksmithing was, as it was for many people, the intro scene of the original Conan the Barbarian movie. He started researching and reading about blacksmithing for a career report in early elementary school. By mid-teens, simple research had given way to instructional textbooks on both swordsmithing, blacksmithing, knife making, and European swordsmanship.
After graduation from high school, he began to study shinkendo and business management at Glendale Community College, with an interest in perhaps one day owning his own dojo. After a time, he began the business management program through University of Phoenix until some of the sketchy practices turned him away from that. They would later come under fire from the federal government for their deceptive and misleading business practices.
With the death of his father in 2009, he finally found a blacksmithing class to take in person. This would be a simple introductory class with Gordon Williams of Camp Verde, Az hosted by Pieh Tool Company. This would result in a second blacksmithing and a knifemaking class, with Ray Rybar of Camp Verde, in 2010.
Running his parent's business wasn't his dream, and trying to maintain their legacy was a stress that took its toll upon him. After it was closed and sold off in 2012, he used funds to purchase a forge and anvil to begin smithing on his own. A much better use of the legacy of his parents: following his own dream and passion.
Shortly before the business was completely closed he encountered the woman that would later become his fiancee, Krista Handy. The two of them would move from Glendale, Az up to Lakeside, Az at the end of 2014.
His first experience with blacksmithing was, as it was for many people, the intro scene of the original Conan the Barbarian movie. He started researching and reading about blacksmithing for a career report in early elementary school. By mid-teens, simple research had given way to instructional textbooks on both swordsmithing, blacksmithing, knife making, and European swordsmanship.
After graduation from high school, he began to study shinkendo and business management at Glendale Community College, with an interest in perhaps one day owning his own dojo. After a time, he began the business management program through University of Phoenix until some of the sketchy practices turned him away from that. They would later come under fire from the federal government for their deceptive and misleading business practices.
With the death of his father in 2009, he finally found a blacksmithing class to take in person. This would be a simple introductory class with Gordon Williams of Camp Verde, Az hosted by Pieh Tool Company. This would result in a second blacksmithing and a knifemaking class, with Ray Rybar of Camp Verde, in 2010.
Running his parent's business wasn't his dream, and trying to maintain their legacy was a stress that took its toll upon him. After it was closed and sold off in 2012, he used funds to purchase a forge and anvil to begin smithing on his own. A much better use of the legacy of his parents: following his own dream and passion.
Shortly before the business was completely closed he encountered the woman that would later become his fiancee, Krista Handy. The two of them would move from Glendale, Az up to Lakeside, Az at the end of 2014.
In 2016 he tried out and competed on History's Forged in Fire, appearing on Season 3; Episode 3. Mistakes were made and a stubborn desire to finish at all costs instead of stopping to evaluate and start over prevented him from moving on beyond round 1. Completely agreeing with the judges, but nevertheless devastated, he began to take classes with renewed vigor.
This initial desire to learn more and improve, and perhaps redeem himself on the show, ended up becoming a great pilgrimage that continues to this day; traveling the US and Canada to learn from some of the most experienced and knowledgeable craftsman in metalwork. This journey is being chronicled in the Allenson Armory blog series: Great Blade Pilgrimage.
This initial desire to learn more and improve, and perhaps redeem himself on the show, ended up becoming a great pilgrimage that continues to this day; traveling the US and Canada to learn from some of the most experienced and knowledgeable craftsman in metalwork. This journey is being chronicled in the Allenson Armory blog series: Great Blade Pilgrimage.
2018 would mark another attempt at a History-channel competition show, the Forged in Fire spin-off now known as Knife or Death. He would compete in the first season, going in blind as to the course and competition, wielding a sword he made in a class with renowned Swedish swordsmith Peter Johnsson.
Contrary to his appearance on Forged in Fire, Michael would dominate the Knife or Death course. He would have the distinction of not only becoming the first Knife or Death Grand Champion, but having the two fastest times in season 1 and a completely flawless championship run. His type 18b longsword would not only survive the course with the barest of edge damage, but prove the validity of an historically accurate longsword as a martial weapon.
He continues to travel and learn, all while waiting for the next opportunity for adventure. Connect with Michael Allenson on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Contrary to his appearance on Forged in Fire, Michael would dominate the Knife or Death course. He would have the distinction of not only becoming the first Knife or Death Grand Champion, but having the two fastest times in season 1 and a completely flawless championship run. His type 18b longsword would not only survive the course with the barest of edge damage, but prove the validity of an historically accurate longsword as a martial weapon.
He continues to travel and learn, all while waiting for the next opportunity for adventure. Connect with Michael Allenson on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
