Kyle Gahagan is a distinguished bladesmith, U.S. Army veteran, and educator whose journey from the battlefields to the forge exemplifies resilience and craftsmanship. Born in Colorado and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Kyle's early fascination with knives was nurtured by his grandfather, who introduced him to hunting and the outdoors. At 20, Kyle enlisted in the Army, serving with the elite 1st Ranger Battalion. His military career included two tours each in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he faced intense combat situations and sustained injuries that would later influence his path.

After retiring from active duty, Kyle pursued higher education, earning three doctorates—two in education and one in psychology. He applied his academic achievements in roles such as school principal and acting superintendent. However, seeking a more hands-on and therapeutic outlet, Kyle returned to his passion for knifemaking. In 2009, he began crafting knives professionally, combining his military experience with his love for the craft.

Kyle's dedication to bladesmithing led him to earn the American Bladesmith Society's Journeyman Smith rating at the 2015 Blade Show in Atlanta. His reputation grew, culminating in his appearance on the History Channel's "Forged in Fire" in 2016, where he showcased his skills to a national audience.

Beyond his personal achievements, Kyle is committed to supporting fellow veterans. He founded Resilience Forge North Carolina, a program that teaches bladesmithing to veterans as a form of therapy and skill-building. This initiative helps participants cope with PTSD and other challenges by providing a constructive and creative environment.

Through his company, Gahagan Customs, Kyle continues to produce high-quality, American-made knives tailored to the needs of outdoorsmen, collectors, and tactical users. His work reflects a blend of rugged functionality and artistic design, embodying the spirit of a warrior turned craftsman.

Kyle Gahagan's journey from soldier to master bladesmith illustrates the transformative power of dedication, education, and the healing art of forging steel.