Today we’d like to introduce you to Blade.
Hi Blade, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Blade & Burnish was founded by Blade Bonaduce, whose passion for woodworking began at a young age, when he first started making small wood signs with a pyrography pen. Over the years, he crafted countless unique pieces for family and friends, honing his skills in wood burning and developing an eye for design. While studying at the University of Maryland, Blade trained under renowned wood art sculptor Foon Sham, gaining a deep understanding of woodworking techniques and the art of wood as a medium. During this time, he also began selling custom handmade signs through a small Etsy shop.
After graduation, Blade completed a cabinet-making apprenticeship with Peterson & Collins, a high-end luxury home builder in Washington D.C., where he refined his craftsmanship and learned the importance of precision and detail. In the years that followed, he set out to explore the world — not just for adventure, but to learn from different ways of life. Over the years, he lived and worked on every continent, taking on jobs that demanded creativity, resilience, and hands-on skill: mountain guiding in Patagonia, cooking in Antarctica, farming in Uganda, carpentry in Germany, hospitality work in Japan, and commercial fishing in Alaska. Each role deepened his appreciation for craft, culture, and the kind of work that’s done with care. As his work evolved, so did his projects, progressing into larger, more high-end pieces.
Today, Blade & Burnish focuses on creating one-of-a-kind wood signs for homes and businesses, with a commitment to quality and individuality over mass production. Every piece is made with intention — influenced not just by years of woodworking, but by a broader journey shaped by hard work, exploration, and a belief in the value of handmade things. Each sign is thoughtfully designed and tailored to the client’s vision, ensuring it becomes a lasting, meaningful part of the space it’s made for.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting this business was anything but smooth. When I first began, I didn’t know the first thing about running a business, there were so many moving parts: advertising, legal requirements, supply chains, customer relations, websites, and more. At times, it felt overwhelming trying to figure out where to even start.
I realized the key was relentless, one-step-at-a-time progress. I would pick one area, dive in, learn everything I could, put it into action, and keep at it until I could check that box. Then I’d move on to the next challenge. It often felt like I was crawling, but looking back now, I see that those small, consistent steps added up to miles of progress. That mindset, tackling one piece at a time and refusing to stop, has been the foundation of building this business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Blade & Burnish, we specialize in crafting custom, handcrafted wood signs that serve as lasting impressions for both homes and businesses. Our work is characterized by a commitment to quality, individuality, and the timeless beauty of natural materials.
What We Do:
We create one-of-a-kind wood signs that reflect the unique style and essence of each client. Whether it’s a welcoming sign for a family home or a distinctive marker for a business, our pieces are designed to leave a lasting impression of distinction and quality.
What Sets Us Apart:
Our dedication to craftsmanship and authenticity sets us apart. We use only premium hardwoods—never plywood—and incorporate intricate pyrography detailing to add depth and character to each piece. This meticulous process ensures that every sign is not just seen, but felt, becoming a meaningful part of the space it adorns.
What We’re Most Proud Of:
We’re most proud of the personal connections we build with our clients through our work. Each sign is thoughtfully designed and tailored to the client’s vision, ensuring it becomes a lasting, meaningful part of their space. The satisfaction of seeing our creations become cherished elements in people’s lives is what drives our passion.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people don’t know that Blade & Burnish actually started as a TikTok woodburning channel. I would create ASMR-style videos of burning small designs into wood—the sound of the burning was incredibly satisfying—and one simple video of burning the letter “S” unexpectedly went viral, reaching millions of viewers. After that, many of my other videos, especially ones featuring letters, also blew up, and the account quickly grew to over half a million followers.
What started as a fun creative outlet gradually evolved. I began expanding the pieces to be larger and more intricate, experimenting with new designs and techniques. Over time, that passion project transformed into Blade & Burnish, the artisan custom wood sign company it is today. And it all began with a single letter: the letter “S.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bladeandburnish.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bladeandburnish
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bladeandburnish
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BladeAndBurnish
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bladeandburnish
