David Bradley is a blacksmith who fabricates and finishes cookware in the eccentric, eclectic and entertaining tourist town of Manitou Springs, known for its culture, festivals, haunts and history.
Bradley began blacksmithing on a horse farm in Ohio. His wife initially expressed interest in learning the tools of the trade, so Bradley built a wood-fired forge on the farm. His wife’s interest waned—but Bradley was hooked.
From the Midwest to the mountains, Bradley built a forge at the Manitou Art Center to applause and acclaim. The Manitou Art Center is dedicated to providing an environment in which artists, tinkerers, creatives and collaborators can flourish.
“We appreciate David’s generosity, skills, and gentle, peaceful manner,” says Alain Navaratne, Makerspace & Gallery Manager at the MAC. “His unique hands-on expertise and creativity are invaluable.”
Utilitarian Creativity
Bradley fabricates outdoor cookware, fashioning skillets for camping at sunrise or under the stars. He wants his creativity to be utilitarian — producing practical, long-standing products.
“I love outdoor cooking,” says Bradley. “It's hard to find functional things of quality. Cookware is one of the most functional products you can make with blacksmithing. Many create knives, but cookware is much more fun to make—there’s more opportunity for shaping.”
Top-Notch Craftsmanship
Bradley frequently collaborates with Ken Sharp, a seasoned metal spinner in Pueblo. Metal spinning is a forming process accomplished by aligning a circle of metal and molding it cold—like pottery, but on a horizontal spinning lathe. As the lathe rotates, the desired shape is achieved using specified hand tools.
“I thoroughly appreciate hand-built, crafted items,” says Josef Peot, a praising Pikes Peak patron. “Dave's skillets are the best I’ve used, and I own four. I’m an avid outdoorsman—and the ability to cook a great meal in the mountains is a game changer.”
“Dave’s craftsmanship is the best I’ve come across,” continues Peot. “When you cook with his skillets, you see his hard work and sweat. His products will last and be passed to my great-grandchildren. Once you meet him, you’ll instantly see that he’s a top-notch, stellar blacksmith — creating quality, durable items that will last for decades.”
Website: https://www.coloradoskillet.com/
Facebook: @manitoublacksmith
Instagram + YouTube: @manitou_blacksmith
“When you cook with his skillets, you see his hard work and sweat. His products will last and be passed to my great-grandchildren." -Josef Peot