We've been offering reproduction Roman crucifixion nails for a few years now, but there's a bit of a story behind how we got here.
Since we started blacksmithing, there have always been requests around Easter for hand forged crucifixion nails to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus. We didn't want to offer the nails unless we could be reasonably sure what we were making was authentic - or at least as close as we could get!
Our research began to take shape when we got the opportunity to host the filming of a special video for a church in the Nashville area. The film was to be shown on Easter Sunday, and feature the making of a hand-hewn full size cross, and hand forged crucifixion nails. Jordan began researching in preparation and also asked the help of a friend who is an experienced 1st century historian. Our nails ended up being based on two documented archaeological finds of human remains that included nails from crucifixions that happened in the Roman Empire in the 1st century, one in Britain and one in Israel.
These are huge nails, 5” long with about a 1” diameter head, and a heavily tapered shank. From the limited archaeological evidence available, it seems that four nails may have been used for crucifixions, instead of three, one nail being used to fasten the heel bone to each side of the cross. This was an interesting thought to us - immediately Genesis 3:15 came to mind, perhaps lending another layer of meaning to the prophecy "...it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."
We have been surprised that these nails have become one of our best selling forged items. Many individuals and churches use them as a tangible reminder of just what the sacrifice of Jesus meant. It is quite an experience to hold one of these nails in your hand, and just ponder a moment. We are grateful to be able to add in any small way to the remembrance and celebration of the sacrifice and victory of our Lord Jesus.
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. - 1 Peter 2:24
Watch a short video to see how Jordan and Elijah now use team striking to create the crucifixion nails out of heavy stock. After a batch of these, they are pretty worn out!
We are offering a 20% off code for our Crucifixion Nails, good now through through April 20, 2025. Please order by April 1st to be sure to receive your nails by Easter Sunday.
Code: EASTER2025