Al Stephens has always worked with steel, as a teenager assembling and maintaining carnival equipment, after high school in heavy industry as a machinist and machine builder. He became interested in blacksmithing on a family vacation in 1986 and spent the next several years learning traditional methods in a historic setting. Connections with local blacksmithing groups introduced him to contemporary techniques and designs. In 1992 Sylvia allowed him to have his one and only mid-life crisis, turning his hobby into full-time work. With the help and encouragement of several friends and mentors, Pequea Valley Forge (pronounced Peckway) was created. Al does the design and forge work, and Sylvia does everything else-the finisher, packer, shipper, bookkeeper, purchaser, and consultant. What a team!