Raina & Ruben creating unique pieces deep in the woods of Nova Scotia.
We are Raina & Ruben, the makers behind Back Road Farm & Forge, a small, family-run blacksmith shop in rural Nova Scotia, Canada. We met as deckhands on a tall ship bound for Antarctica, and after returning from our high-seas adventure, we chose a grounded life—building a home, family, and forge in the backwoods.
At Back Road Farm & Forge, we create hand-forged ironwork rooted in durability, function, and traditional blacksmithing techniques. Every piece is forged from steel using heat, hammer, and anvil, leaving visible marks of the handmade process. Our work is designed to be enjoyed and passed down as heirloom-quality objects.
We opened our Etsy shop in 2014 to share our handmade iron goods directly with customers locally and across North America. Working from home allows us to stay connected to the land and build meaningful relationships with those who value authentic craftsmanship. Through our work, we aim to support a thoughtful, regenerative economy that honours hand skills, creative expression, and quality materials.
Ruben is the blacksmith behind the forge, with nearly 30 years of experience shaping hot steel into functional and decorative ironwork. The work is physically demanding, loud, and dirty—exactly how traditional blacksmithing should be.
Raina collaborates on design development and the day-to-day running of the homestead and business. She also works in regenerative community building, placemaking, and food sovereignty, values that influence how they live and create.
Thank you for supporting hand-forged craftsmanship and for visiting our Etsy shop.
