Brent Dohn comes from a family of woodworkers that goes back five generations. His father's workshop, located on Wildlife Drive on St. Simons Island, Georgia, is the namesake for his business and where he first came to appreciate fine craftsmanship. "I grew up being told to always use the proper tool for whatever task was at hand, and to make sure it was made in U.S.A.," Dohn says. "Not only for the quality aspect, but also for how good American-made tools feel in your hand."
Dohn's respect for handcrafted items is partly what led him to Wildlife Workshop. That, and just a general sense of frustration with what tools were available whenever he wanted to get the family together for a backyard bonfire. "I was tired of dinky fire irons that make inefficient stabs at wood," Dohn says. "There was a need for something better."
So something better is what he created. Dohn's handsome firetool invention has a long, lathe-turned handle that is pleasing in the hand. Its two-pronged metal head easily lifts logs and stokes fires, keeping them going for hours, which is ultimately Dohn's favorite part about his work. "When it comes to sharing stories around and long stares into a fire, I get excited," he says. "I pull out my best bourbon and driest wood knowing that good times are soon to be had."
Dohn is offering $100 off the firetool bundle (long or short set) to Splinter Creek residents. He is also offering a set of three skewers for $300, as well as free personal etching on any tool's brass rings with the Splinter Creek logo or a family name ($25 each tool value). Visit his website for more information.
