Making Damascus steel knives gave Elk resident Ben Hayhurst more than a hobby. He credits the craftsmanship in his recovery as a wounded veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He’s also using the skills to raise awareness about suicides, and pledge to end suicides, among veterans and first responders. In September, he finished the Spartan Axe, made with steel recovered from the World Trade Center and a firefighter’s ax used at Ground Zero in the days following 9/11.
His crafted piece is at the New York Fire Department Academy but eventually will travel the U.S. It joins the Spartan Sword made by another craftsman, also from Twin Towers’ steel, for a nonprofit Spartan Pledge by Iraq War veteran Boone Cutler as an oath among veterans not to commit suicide and to reach out first to a battle buddy.
Suicide prevention hits close to home for Hayhurst…..