LIMA, OHIO (WLIO) - Blacksmiths from all over the country gathered for the 2nd annual Warriors Way Expo.
The process of forging steel, a hammer, or knives gives them something to hyper-focus on physically and mentally.
The non-profit organization provides recreational therapy in the form of knife-making to veterans and first responders with PTSD. The process of forging steel, a hammer, or knives gives them something to hyper-focus on physically and mentally. The blacksmiths involved are happy to come to Lima and help, knowing it's all for a good cause.
“We've done some classes, and it's always really interesting to see these guys; you can see that they're struggling, and then they come in and they start the class, and that struggle goes away. And they're just enjoying themselves while they're making a knife, and it's really fulfilling to see,” says Dale Winburn, Winburn Steel.
Warriors Way says they have saved 28 lives, and they use founder David Bates as a testament to encourage those struggling to come to their classes.
The blacksmiths involved are happy to come to Lima and help, knowing it's all for a good cause.
“What I would tell them is the founder of Warrior's Way used to not be able to go into a crowd without almost having a complete meltdown. To now he's speaking in front of people; he's here at this event behind us, running around doing all these things. He is the testament of what is possible when you work hard and you put dedication toward becoming better mentally, physically—all of it,” says Jeffrey Dauterman, Chief Marketing Officer for Warriors Way.
Everything that was made will be available at their auction Sunday from 2 to 5. All funds will go directly to Warriors Way.
