Blade & Burnish was founded by Blade Bonaduce, whose passion for woodworking began at a young age, when he first started making small wood signs with a pyrography pen. Over the years, he crafted countless unique pieces for family and friends, honing his skills in wood burning and developing an eye for design. While studying at the University of Maryland, Blade trained under renowned wood art sculptor Foon Sham, gaining a deep understanding of woodworking techniques and the art of wood as a medium. During this time, he also began selling custom handmade signs through a small Etsy shop.

After graduation, Blade completed a cabinet-making apprenticeship with Peterson & Collins, a high-end luxury home builder in Washington D.C., where he refined his craftsmanship and learned the importance of precision and detail. In the years that followed, he set out to explore the world — not just for adventure, but to learn from different ways of life. Over the years, he lived and worked on every continent, taking on jobs that demanded creativity, resilience, and hands-on skill: mountain guiding in Patagonia, cooking in Antarctica, farming in Uganda, carpentry in Germany, hospitality work in Japan, and commercial fishing in Alaska. Each role deepened his appreciation for craft, culture, and the kind of work that’s done with care. As his work evolved, so did his projects, progressing into larger, more high-end pieces.