*About Us*

Before Borderland Rustic Hardware, finding authentic handmade iron hardware in Southwest was almost an impossible task. In fact, it wasn’t until our founder, Dave Hannan, realized there was a need for more and chose to bring our company into existence to the United States.

Dave had a wooden gate installed onto his property. Being a skilled DIY’er at heart, Dave quickly noticed that the gate would look much better with authentic, handmade iron hardware.

After searching all of the local sources for the type of authentic wrought iron hardware he was looking for, Dave realized that he was going to have to go across the Mexican border where traditional blacksmiths still operate.

Thanks to his experience exporting tools and hardware to Mexico, Dave had access to contacts that were able to connect him with some local blacksmith shops in Mexico. He contacted them, ordered his hinges for his new gate, and installed them. The job was well done, and the gate was perfect.

To Dave’s surprise, his neighbors quickly noticed his new wrought iron hardware. After receiving numerous compliments and inquiries, Dave decided to start Borderland Rustic Hardware.   

Over time, Dave moved away from the original suppliers he used to get the business off the ground. As the original artisans were far away and had difficulties keeping up with the demand, Dave decided to put a team of blacksmiths together who would supply his hardware consistently and able to meet Dave’s expectations for quality.

The process of finding artisans in Northern Mexico and developing a solid team of traditional blacksmiths took years to complete, but thanks to Dave’s perseverance and eye for quality, Borderland Rustic Hardware now supplies some of the most authentic metalworks available in the entire Southwest region. 

Provide High-Quality Products, Always

Providing high-quality, hand-forged metal work is our top priority. No matter what types of products we create, attention to detail and quality control are essential to our process.

There are many things that drive our hyper focus on quality, but one of the most crucial is our belief that the art of metalwork is just that: art. Even when creating decorative nails, hinges, and other useful items, the workmanship that goes into our work imbibes that of centuries past.

We create pieces in the same styles and follow the same processes as blacksmiths from the past, with the added benefits of using modern metals and improved equipment to get more consistent results. The result, of course, is metalwork that is second to none.

Create a Benchmark for Quality Within the Industry

We also believe that through our dedication to the traditional processes of blacksmithing, as well as our constant focus on providing the best quality possible, we are raising the bar within the industry. There are too many mediocre sources for hand forged metalwork and hardware. Whether it is plain and generic, fragile, or mass produced in machines, there is a lot of sub-par metalwork on the market.

It is important to us that the art of blacksmithing be continued in the traditional sense, and that when people want handmade metal work, they are getting what they pay for. Not only should works sold as traditional be created by artisans who know and follow traditional processes, but the metals, finishes, and methods used should also be true to form.

For us, the continuation of this traditional trade is crucial as blacksmithing has been a central part to the human experience for thousands of years. To lose such an integral part of our culture would surely be a shame.

It is, therefore, our hope that the effort we put into the quality that we bring to the blacksmithing community, as well as the influence we have on other forges throughout the Southwest and beyond, benefits not only our customers but the entire blacksmithing industry as well.

Make Unique, Handmade Metalwork Accessible to All

Another point that it is important to us as a company is that our products should be accessible to all. While it is certainly true that commissioned metalwork has historically been costly and mostly reserved from affluent members of society, that no longer has to be the case.

Thanks to various factors, high-quality, one-of-a-kind metalwork can now be commissioned for surprisingly fair prices. Especially since hand forged hardware and decorative works last a lifetime!

We have found a balance between paying our artisans good wages for their craft while offering industry-beating rates for our customers. It really is the best of both worlds.

It is, and always will be, our goal to make our unique, handmade metalwork accessible to all. No matter what type of business, home, farm, or ranch you own, bringing in custom wrought iron pieces will give your place the personal touch it deserves. 

Our Artisans Follow Age-Old Traditions and Styles

Our blacksmiths are the heart and soul of our company, and we give them the respect they deserve.  They make each piece of quality hardware by hand and imbue each product with the authentic old-world charm that we have come to expect from them.

As our blacksmiths are based in Mexico, much of the work that they do follows the traditional Spanish Colonial style of working metal. Historically, metalwork following the Spanish traditions has always been the most decorative and impressive, and many of those qualities are still seen today.

We are proud to have these artisans as a part of our company, working alongside us while we continuously improve our products. In turn, we ensure everyone prospers, especially our artisans whom we pay a living wage.

Everyone Can Benefit from the Artwork and Hardware We Create

By supporting Borderland Rustic Hardware, you become an integral part of the forging craft. Each sale supports our continued efforts to further blacksmithing education in America and Mexico. Not only do we wish to maintain the same levels of quality that our customers expect but we also care deeply for the metalwork craft itself and want to do our part to pass the hammer to future generations.

 

We are currently establishing a mentorship program to ensure that blacksmithing techniques and knowledge carry on into future generations. Thank you for sharing and supporting our company. You make all of this possible!