Rory May is a third-generation blacksmith with over 25 years of experience in designing, forging, fabricating and crafting custom forged ironwork. Much of his career was spent working in his family's blacksmithing business, contributing to an immense number of residential, commercial, and luxury projects. In the year 2020, Rory left the family business in order to explore his own identity and be independent from working under somebody else's wing. At that time, he sought independence and freedom; thus, he rediscovered his passion for blacksmithing.

 

This led him to establish Taldera Forge LLC in 2024, which was born from his vision in what he could uniquely bring to custom metalwork. Taldera Forge is an embodiment of Rory's blacksmithing and metalworking experience, creative independence, and commitment to blending functionality with artistry in every design.

 

While working in the family business, Rory's skills were nationally recognized on “Somebody's Gotta Do It” with Mike Rowe. The show featured his commitment to the craft and ability to produce the highest level of ironwork. Given the task to create a project for the show, Rory designed a sign which they completed.

 

He has a broad experience in making ironwork for private houses, including gates, railings, chandeliers, hardware and furniture. His work reflects a commitment to creating unique designs that blend into each project.

 

Rory's skills have also been showcased in large projects, including the The Great Northern Lodge in Whitefish, Montana, where he contributed a 3-foot wide live edge, steel wrapped forged table base, six custom-forged chandeliers, six unique and large fireplace doors, all of which enhanced the lodge's architectural style. 

 

His work at the The Farm at Brush Creek Ranch project in Saratoga, Wyoming, added to the resort's blend of rustic charm and refined elegance, solidifying its status as a 5-star destination. Here he designed a Bronze Range Hood and a 4 sided mantle, both statements in social areas of the buildings. 

 

Taldera Forge represents combines the decades of Rory's expertise and daring creative route that relishes the tradition in liberating  spirit while shaping what's next into precision and hand crafted metalwork.

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"Between the hammer and the anvil is the proper distance to get work done." -Rory 

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Still interested in Rory's Journey? You can learn more about Rory and his dedication towards blacksmithing and at DirtySmith.com