About Us
Clayton H. Miller, Master Blacksmith
Clayton Miller has had a lifelong interest in creating, building, designing, renovating, and anything pertaining to tools, machinery, and fire. His blacksmith skills began in the late 1970s as a teenager working summers at a well-established iron shop. He graduated from Harford Vocational-Technical High School (now Harford Technical), finishing top of his class in the machinist program. Following graduation and three years serving his country with the United States Marine Corps, Clayton returned to employment with his former job and continued to hone his ironworking skills. By 1987, he was serving as a Master Blacksmith of that establishment.
In 1987, Clayton founded Rock Ridge Forge while continuing to work full-time. The original shop building was constructed in 1990 and expanded in 1999 and 2009 with much-needed additions for specialized applications. During 2012, a solar panel system was added, enabling the shop to provide its own energy for operation.
Clayton’s reputation for providing reasonably priced merchandise of uncompromising workmanship continued to grow in north-central Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. In 1996, Clayton became fully self-employed, devoting his time and energy exclusively to Rock Ridge Forge. In 2018, the business became Rock Ridge Forge LLC.
Family Owned & Operated
Logan Miller began helping his dad around the shop at an early age and started part-time employment while in high school. After graduating from Harford Community College in 2017 with a focus on small business and entrepreneurship, Logan joined Rock Ridge Forge as an apprentice. In addition to honing his skills in the shop, Logan oversees the sandblasting operations and plasma cutting applications.
Joanna Miller, Clayton’s wife, has been involved from the beginning as office manager, taking care of the business outside of the shop. Before the birth of their first child, Joanna was a cytotechnologist working in surgical pathology for almost 9 years. In 2015, she concluded 20 years as a home educator, having taught their four children K-12.
Rock Ridge Forge LLC fabricates custom items made to your specifications using drawings, photographs, samples, or books depicting wrought iron designs. Brass, copper, and stainless-steel custom work are also available. The shop has a fully-equipped drive-in sandblasting bay that can accommodate large projects. Our knowledge and expertise are at your disposal. We are thankful for the opportunity to meet the growing need for custom architectural and ornamental ironwork in the region and serve clientele in both the private and business sectors. Your inquiry is welcome.
Photos from the Forge
Let's Create.
Our process is collaborative; we will do our best to achieve your artistic vision while offering our experience, insights, and professional suggestions in the design and fabrication process.
