Our Story

Born and raised in historical Independence, Mo, Daniel Yoka has always had the heart of an artist. In 2004 his heart led him to Northwest Missouri State University to pursue a degree in art. While there, he fell in love with not only working with metal and creating sculptures but he also found a love of cooking. Over the next several years he climbed the ladder in the restaurant industry, but he always felt that something was missing.

In 2018, Daniel lit his first forge in and never looked back. What started as a spark of curiosity quickly turned into a blazing passion for blacksmithing and traditional craftsmanship. With hammer in hand and fire at his side, Daniel taught himself the ancient art of shaping metal—not just as a trade, but as a way to connect with something real, raw, and deeply human.

Today, 3 Trails Forge is on a mission to excite people to make things again. Through our work, workshops, and online presence, we breaths new life into forgotten skills. We strive to inspire a new generation of tinkerers and creators to pick up tools, get their hands dirty, and build something that lasts.

Whether it’s a hand-forged knife, a custom tool, or a beautifully crafted piece of art, every creation from 3 Trails Forge carries the spirit of grit, tradition, and innovation. We don’t just make things—We make FUN.