Signs that aren’t just seen — they’re passed down.
Premium Materials: We use only natural hardwoods—never plywood—including a curated selection of 28 wood species from both domestic and exotic sources.
Color Integrity: At Blade & Burnish, we believe in the inherent beauty of wood. Rather than using artificial paints, we carefully select wood species that naturally match the color and tone of your desired design.
Wood Burning Pyrography: Our signs feature hand-burnt pyrography detailing, a technique that adds depth, texture, and character to make each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Craftsmanship & Durability: With a focus on high-quality materials and expert construction, our dedication to durability means that your sign will age gracefully over the years.
What Sets Us Apart?
Choosing Blade & Burnish means investing in a unique piece that goes beyond aesthetics—it’s a reflection of craftsmanship, authenticity, and enduring quality. Here’s what sets us apart:
Premium Materials: We use only natural hardwoods—never plywood—including a curated selection of 28 wood species from both domestic and exotic sources.
Color Integrity: At Blade & Burnish, we believe in the inherent beauty of wood. Rather than using artificial paints, we carefully select wood species that naturally match the color and tone of your desired design.
Wood Burning Pyrography: Our signs feature hand-burnt pyrography detailing, a technique that adds depth, texture, and character. This meticulous process creates rich, permanent designs that make each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Craftsmanship & Durability: With a focus on high-quality materials and expert construction, our dedication to durability means that your sign will age gracefully over the years.
Our Story
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.
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.
Today, Blade & Burnish focuses on creating one-of-a-kind wood signs for homes and businesses, with a commitment to quality and individuality over mass production. Every piece is made with intention — influenced not just by years of woodworking, but by a broader journey shaped by hard work, exploration, and a belief in the value of handmade things. Each sign is thoughtfully designed and tailored to the client’s vision, ensuring it becomes a lasting, meaningful part of the space it’s made for.
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.
Today, Blade & Burnish focuses on creating one-of-a-kind wood signs for homes and businesses, with a commitment to quality and individuality over mass production. Every piece is made with intention — influenced not just by years of woodworking, but by a broader journey shaped by hard work, exploration, and a belief in the value of handmade things. Each sign is thoughtfully designed and tailored to the client’s vision, ensuring it becomes a lasting, meaningful part of the space it’s made for.
Feel free to reach out through our Contact Page or email at blade@bladeandburnish.com
Our Process
The journey from idea to finished sign is seamless and collaborative. Here’s how it unfolds:
Initial Consultation: We begin with a discussion about your vision. Whether you’re looking for a personalized business sign, a rustic farmhouse sign, or a high-end wood art piece, we’ll help define the design, materials, and specifications.
Design & Sketches: With your input, we create detailed sketches and blueprints to visualize the final product. This stage allows for refinements to size, shape, and wood type until the design is perfected.
Creation & Updates: Once the design is set, we start crafting your sign. Regular updates and photos are provided throughout the process, keeping you informed and involved as your vision takes shape.
Shipping: After completion, the sign is carefully packed and shipped to its new home with mounting hardware included, ready to be enjoyed.
The journey from idea to finished sign is seamless and collaborative. Here’s how it unfolds:
Initial Consultation: We begin with a discussion about your vision. Whether you’re looking for a personalized business sign, a rustic farmhouse sign, or a high-end wood art piece, we’ll help define the design, materials, and specifications.
Design & Sketches: With your input, we create detailed blueprints to visualize the final product. This stage allows for refinements to size, shape, and wood type until the design is perfected.
Creation & Updates: Once the design is set, we start crafting your sign. Regular updates and photos are provided throughout the process, keeping you informed and involved as your vision takes shape.
Shipping: After completion, the sign is carefully packed and shipped to its new home with mounting hardware included, ready to be enjoyed.
Every step of the way is designed to ensure your complete satisfaction, with open communication and a focus on delivering a sign that meets your exact needs. Click here to learn more details about our process.
Every step of the way is designed to ensure your complete satisfaction, with open communication and a focus on delivering a sign that meets your exact needs.
