Dark Timber Custom Knives Website

Written by

Carissa O'Connell

June 2024

In this exciting project, I had the privilege of working alongside Peter Kohler, a skilled bladesmith, to design and develop his very first website from scratch. Together, we embarked on a collaborative journey to craft a digital presence that not only showcased Peter's exceptional professional skills but also reflected his passion for bladesmithing. I worked closely with Peter to understand his unique needs and goals, ensuring that every aspect of the website design and development process was tailored to his vision. Through open communication, creative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of Peter's craft, we created a website that truly embodied the essence of his brand - Dark Timber Custom Knives.

Design Requirements:

• Simple, clean, and to the point: A minimalistic design that allowed the bladesmith's work to take center stage
• High-quality images: Showcased the knives in a well-lit, high-contrast environment to highlight the craftsmanship and details
• Easy navigation: Organized the portfolio into categories (e.g., camp knives, choppers, skinners) for easy browsing
• Personal touch: Included a brief story or description about the bladesmith's inspiration, process, and passion for their craft

Learning how to help a bladesmith promote their work and story taught me how to design a website that made it easy, simple, and appealing for people who didn't utilize the web often.

The knife gallery served as a visual showcase of the various knife styles crafted by Peter Kohler, allowing users to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind each piece. The filter enhanced the user experience by enabling visitors to easily navigate and explore specific types of knives, making it simpler to find designs that resonated with their preferences.

The blog on darktimbercustomknives.net highlighted various knife-making events, shared personal stories from Peter Kohler's journey as a bladesmith, and introduced new knife designs, showcasing the craftsmanship and evolution of his work.

Social Media Sharing: The blog integrated social media posts from Peter Kohler's Instagram account (@darktimbercustoms), allowing visitors to see real-time updates and images related to his knife-making process and events. This connection helped to create a community around his work.

Check out the DEMO website Dark Timber Custom Knives!