OOAK Story

OOAK Forge is a small business located in Portland, OR, we design and hand make quality art and utilitarian goods. Harlan Whitman and Savannah Harris started OOAK Forge back in 2014, working out of a small one car garage. Our business has steadily grown in the past 9 years and we are proud to say that our products are now in the hands of thousands of people all over the world.

Harlan is a creative and has been ‘making go’ since he can remember. Growing up on a farm in Central Missouri Harlan learned the value of a hard day’s work early on, as well as an appreciation for quality over quantity. Throughout his life Harlan has created a loyal and expansive client-base which has not only found him designing and making knives but also furniture, musical instruments, jewelry, collectible toys, sculpture, prosthetic limbs, puppets, sets for live events and more. Harlan is truly a materials and processes expert. An interest in weaponry and martial arts led Harlan to study the art of steel knife and sword-making. His unique style and ability to artfully experiment with unique metals, woods, and ergonomics has made Harlan and his products well known in the knife and EDC communities. 

Savannah is Harlan’s partner in crime(life) and business. When she met Harlan back in 2013 and saw what he was capable of creating and offering the world through his unique set of talents she knew that she wanted to contribute to OOAK Forge’s success. Savannah has always had many roles within the business and is a vital part of what keeps OOAK Forge running like a well oiled machine. Working and assisting in the shop, product photography/videography, correspondence and order coordination, website+social media management, shipping, product design, working with Harlan to realize and put into practice all the wild inventive ideas that make OOAK Forge such a unique small business.