From Soldier to Sacred Craftsman: A Modern Maker's Journey
From Soldier to Sacred Craftsman: A Modern Maker's Journey
My Story I'm Paul — craftsman, veteran, and the hands behind Bushman Survival. Based in the beautiful valleys of South Wales, I create fully custom, hand-carved pieces that you won't find anywhere else on earth.
The Military Years I spent twenty-six years in military service, including five demanding tours that tested my resilience and shaped my character. The discipline, attention to detail, and respect for craft that the Army instilled in me never left — they just found a new outlet.
The Corporate Detour After leaving the Army, I moved into the corporate world as an IT project manager for Sky TV. Well-paid, prestigious — but hollow. The disconnect between that world and my authentic self began to take a real toll on my mental health. Something had to change.
Finding the Path During that period I discovered bushcraft and survival skills — practical, ancient knowledge that reconnected me to the natural world. Teaching these skills on weekends became both a passion and a lifeline. The name "Bushman Survival" emerged naturally from that work.
The Craft Awakens The pivotal moment came through a simple gift: an axe from my wife. Instead of leaving it plain, I found myself carving intricate designs into the handle. When a friend saw it and wanted one of his own, I realised I'd found my calling.
The Great Liberation When redundancy came from Sky TV, what could have been a setback became the door opening to authentic living. I made the leap to full-time crafting — leaving behind the corporate world that had been draining my spirit.
Growth and Recognition During the 2020 lockdowns, my carving business flourished and my online community grew to over 20,000 followers. The craft gained serious recognition when I was commissioned to create pieces for The Last Kingdom. Since then I've created work for Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, The Traitors UK, the Globe Theatre, the National Berlin Museum, Universal Studios, DC and Warner Brothers.
The Workshop Philosophy Everything is hand-drawn and hand-carved. No CNC machines, no laser cutters, no mass production shortcuts. My most meaningful commissions include handfasting axes for pagan weddings, memorial urns for grieving families, and custom pieces that tell deeply personal stories.
If I Can Draw It, I Can Carve It Norse mythology, family crests, beloved pets, favourite TV shows — if it's meaningful to you, it's worth carving. With over 1,600 five-star reviews and a 4.9 rating, and customers on every continent, the work speaks for itself. Prices start from under £5.
My Aim To make something completely customised to you that you can't find anywhere else. To work closely with you to bring your ideas to life — and to do it with passion. Either make a purchase or message me directly to make it a reality.
