Watch closely as knives get formed from railroad spikes

BY MOSS BRENNAN

During WinterFest, community members may hear an odd sound coming from McCoy Minerals: A loud ringing noise with the sound of metal striking metal.

That would be The Stonedsmiths: Tanion McCoy and Isaac Turner, a pair of High Country teens.

Both teens share two passions: working with gemstones and metalsmithing.

The young duo will conduct a demonstration of their handiwork from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 28 at McCoy Minerals, 537 North Main Street, as part of Blowing Rock’s WinterFest celebration.

“It’s really interesting to watch to 18 year olds actually put thought and passion behind a project that they’re really into and getting other people involved with a skill that is kind of being pushed to the side now,” said Trina McCoy, who with Randy “Doc” McCoy are co-owners of McCoy Minerals, a business that includes the custom jewelry and gemstone shop at 537 North

Main Street, as well as Doc’s Rocks and the Appalachian Fossil Museum at Shoppes on the Parkway, the Tanger Outlet Center.

The duo use standard railroad spikes, about an inch in diameter and 6.5 inches long. The entire knife, including the handle, is fashioned from that single spike.

Last year was a hit as the pair stayed out in the cold and pounded on the anvil to create the knives to the delight of those watching. Last year, Trina said they had people come right when the store opened expecting to see the demonstration in action, which didn’t start until 11 a.m. that year. This year, they are starting an hour earlier meaning even more time to watch their skills in metalsmithing, which has had to improve since 2022.

They will also have more pieces of work for sale this year for those interested in purchasing a knife made by the duo.

WinterFest 2023 runs from Jan. 26-29. More information is available and constantly being updated at blowingrockwinterfest.com.