Roots
I was born in Slobidska Ukraine, which literally mean Free Ukraine, a fertile and generous region in Northeast Ukraine renowned for its artisans, craftsmen, and people with golden hands.
This region has a rich history, once home to Scythians, Khazars, and Cossacks — people who were not only sophisticated weapon makers and warriors but also skilled metalworkers. I was no exception regarding this inherited love of metalwork and handmade stuff and liked to watch people working with their hands.
It was charming.
Family
My father was often away due to his military duties, so I didn't have many chances to learn a craft from him. But my grandfather stepped in to fill that gap somehow.
He made wooden toys for me and took me to the garden to prune the trees. Grandpa spent hours carving tiny details for our garden tools, his hands steady and skilled. He showed me how to split logs and I still remember the feel of the axe in my hands, the first tool for handwork I ever used.
Those moments sparked my lifelong love for craftsmanship and taught me the value of hard work and dedication.
Hobby
Those were the days when I began to understand the magic of human hands creating something special that lasts for generations. I started to feel that working with your hands fosters a deeper connection to nature, cultivating сalmness and conciliation.
As an adult, I lived in the city, yet I always yearned for the peace and tranquility of the suburbs. However, I met a friend who introduced me to a thrilling new hobby: excavations. It was he who later showed me how to make axes. Our expeditions took us to sites with remnants of tools, coins, and weapons from wars fought there.
Khazar Ax
One summer day that would change everything for me, we ventured far from the city into a dense forest. We began our search, and my metal detector responded to something buried. I started digging and discovered a Khazar ax from the 4th-6th centuries.
The Khazars were nomads who once roamed the lands of modern Slobozhanshchina, masters of metalworking and advanced jewelers for their time. And that ax was really one of a kind.
Standing there, holding that ancient ax, I felt an almost primal energy, a connection to nature and life itself. At that moment, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life: I wanted to work with metal, to create tools that would stand the test of time and be admired for centuries.
Fadir Tools
Later, we rented a small workshop and dove headfirst into blacksmithing. I dodged my day job, made up excuses, and dedicated hours upon hours to learning the craft.
At first, we made axes and hatchets for friends and neighbors, then started selling them within Ukraine. My father, ever my biggest supporter, suggested that our products deserved a wider audience. People liked axes and handmade stuff I was making and sales were increasing. So, I overcame anxiety, made a decision to quit my day job and focused entirely on my craft.
I rented a bigger premise, started my small forge and named it ''Fadir Tools''.Fadir means father from Old Norse: it's my tribute to my father's support and my firm belief in the quality of our craftsmanship. I aspire it will become a lasting legacy, passed down from father to son for generations to come.
First employee
As my business grew, I found myself unable to keep up with the number of orders.
That's when I hired Vitaliy, the first employee of my forge. I was impressed by his extensive experience and deep understanding of metalworking.
It was Vitaliy who suggested we switch to 52100 steel, which he believed was the best for our tools. His expertise transformed our production, and he quickly became an invaluable part of our team.
Carpentry
Shortly after, Dmitro joined us.
He had a keen interest in woodworking and began crafting chisels for himself. We were all impressed by his work, and together, we decided to produce chisels on a larger scale.
Our test batch turned out to be an exceptional product, and the first reviews were nothing short of magnificent. We breathed a sigh of relief, knowing we had once again created tools we could be proud of.
Leather Craft
Recognizing that we needed expertise in leather, I found Sergiy, a passionate craftsman with over ten years of experience in leatherworking. Thanks to him, we started producing great leather cases, and over time, he expanded our product line to include leather bags, which we now sell.
These talented craftsmen have become more than just employees; they are a part of the Fadir family. Together, we continue to uphold the tradition of creating high-quality tools that embody our dedication and passion. With each tool we make, we honor the legacy of craftsmanship and the bond between generations, ensuring that our work remains a heritage to be cherished for years to come.
Expanding
At some point, we felt the need for a new challenge and decided to start making knives. We aimed to create the best knives possible, pushing ourselves to excel. Our test knives were good, but we wanted them to be perfect.
After working through ten attempts and blanks, we finally found the best formula, and the result was knives we were incredibly proud of.
Over time, the axes and tools sold out more and more, so we had to move to a larger workshop and expand production.
Now we had 3 stoves, and 3 buildings for 6 workshops! And the team of 22 craftsmen. Sometimes I still can’t believe it happened!
International Business
With each passing day, our confidence grew, and we felt a sense of freedom like never before. The team expanded to ten people, each with their own unique tasks. It was a thrilling time for us, and we decided it was time to create an online-shop.
We started selling our tools abroad - and suddenly, they were reaching people all over the world! It was both exciting and nerve-wracking, as we had never shipped our tools overseas before. We anxiously awaited the reviews, but to our delight, our customers were incredibly happy.
Just recently, we sold our 15,000th tool on Etsy. Each one of these tools holds a special place in our hearts because at Fadir, no two instruments are identical—they are all unique, just like the hands that craft them.
Unique Part
Looking back, I know I made the right choice. Hand working is my call. Now, I have my own business, something I believe in wholeheartedly and invest all my strength into. The journey from that enchanted moment with the Khazar ax to today has been challenging but deeply fulfilling, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Because now, I have a team of passionate craftsmen who love nothing more than crafting awesome stuff like axes, woodworking tools, knives, and leather goods.
Each tool we make isn't just an object; it's a piece of history waiting to be told; every tool you see on our website is crafted by hand in our workshop with loads of love and attention to detail.
Join us at Fadir Tools and experience the magic of our craft.
Serhii Ivin, Founder of Fadir Tools