Coalcracker Bushcraft officially became a business in the summer of 2016. We completed all the necessary steps to say, "We're now an official business." But the journey began long before that.
Back in 2014, I was sitting in a cold, wet, and muddy campsite with my friend Dan. We decided our small camping crew could become something bigger and more meaningful. We needed a name, so we landed on Coalcracker Coalition. At the time, I wasn’t thrilled with it—it sounded more like the name of a failed biker gang. Despite my reservations, we went with it, even printing some bold stickers. But eventually, the name didn’t stick.
Thinking back even further, I remember a moment in 2006. I was at a long-range shooting competition, walking down a dirt road with my partner. When I asked a member of the safety staff for directions back to the buses, he snapped, "If you can’t follow tire tracks in the mud, maybe you should stick to city life!" I was livid. I had grown up in the woods—how could he say that?
Speaking of growing up in the woods, that’s really where it all started. My earliest memories revolve around spending time outdoors. Before I even started kindergarten, I would take hikes with my grandfather. For days beforehand, I would pack and repack my little backpack, eagerly anticipating the adventure. Looking back, those “long hikes” full of danger and excitement were only about 300 yards into the woods—but they were life-changing for me.
Throughout my childhood, I spent countless hours fishing, carving sticks, running through the woods, and catching crawfish in local creeks. One Christmas, my uncle gave me a military survival manual. At the time, I thought, There’s no way this stuff is even possible! I tried to replicate the techniques, but quickly learned that jungle survival tips don’t work well in Pennsylvania winters.
Despite the challenges, I never gave up. Over the years, I honed my skills. What began as a hobby—some might call it an obsession—taught me that being outside had a profound impact on my life. It made me happy, gave me confidence, and pushed me to test myself. I also discovered my passion for teaching. Sharing my skills and experiences with others became a calling, and that’s exactly what I set out to do.
Today, Coalcracker Bushcraft is a thriving business dedicated to the outdoors and survival. We’ve grown into the premier survival and bushcraft training and equipment brand in the industry. From the beginning, our mission has been to ignite a passion for the outdoors. Through our handmade products and immersive courses, we share our expertise to enhance your outdoor experiences. Every day, we strive to make better products and improve our teaching to serve the people who matter most—our customers and fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania, our training facility is based in Ringtown, while our warehouse and manufacturing shop is in Frackville. At Coalcracker Bushcraft, we handcraft knives, blacksmith goods, leather goods, sewn items, and apparel, all with a focus on quality and authenticity.
Join us as we continue our journey, sharing our love for the outdoors and inspiring others to embrace the wild.