Why the name "Grimmet Forge"?

Why I Named My Blacksmith Business “Grimmet”

When I first set out to build my blacksmith business, I knew I wanted the name to carry weight—something with history, pride, and personal meaning. That’s how I landed on Grimmet.

The name isn’t just a nice-sounding word. It's tied deeply to my family’s history. My surname, McIlvain, traces back to around 250 AD, beginning with a Celtic man named Fionn, son of Alvaine. In Gaelic, that became something like mac Alvaine—the son of Alvaine—and over the centuries it evolved into McIlvain. My youngest son is named Fionn, in honor of that original ancestor.

Historical records show that the McIlvain family eventually settled in Grimmet, in Ayrshire, Scotland, as far back as 1060. The lands of Grimmet were home for generations of my ancestors. To me, naming the business Grimmet is like staking a claim to that heritage—honoring the land, the people, and the legacy.

By tradition, the McIlvains belong to the clan McBain, and we're also closely associated with Clan Kennedy. Going even further back, Fionn—our ancient forefather—served as High Steward of all Ireland under King Cormac. On his standard were two covered cups, a symbol of honor and duty, which I now represent on my anvil in my logo. That emblem is more than just a design—it’s a direct connection to my family’s story.

So when you see the name Grimmet on my forge, know that it’s not just a name. It’s a tribute. It’s a nod to a history that spans continents and centuries, from Celtic Ireland to the Scottish Highlands to wherever I’m hammering hot steel today.

This business is built on that foundation—strength, tradition, craftsmanship. Just like the blacksmiths of old, I’m proud to carry forward the spirit of those who came before me.

My Shop Sign featuring my logo image

My logo representing images from my Scottish history