Bit Technician, Engraver & Shop Supervisor — 25 Years of Dedication

For over 25 years, Justin Massar was the steady hand and sharp eye behind the scenes at Tom Balding Bits & Spurs. A former ranch cowboy with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, Justin brought skill, heart, and integrity into every piece he touched.

As Shop Supervisor and Bit Technician, Justin had a hand in nearly every bit and spur that left our doors. His understanding of form, function, and feel made him a true master of his craft — whether he was TIG welding, grinding, or shaping steel.

But his artistry didn’t stop there. Justin was also a gifted hand engraver, known for adding beautiful, custom touches that set our gear apart. He believed that craftsmanship mattered — and it showed in his every detail.

Customers from around the world hold and ride with his work in their hands, often not realizing the care and precision that Justin poured into each finished piece. “For those who appreciate craftsmanship, hand engraving is something they really cherish,” he once said — a belief he carried into everything he did.

Most recently, Justin helped bring a new shop product to life — the Tom Balding Hoof Pick. With his background as a farrier, Justin understood exactly how the tool should feel in the hand: the right balance, the right weight, the right function. His insight was invaluable, and the result is a durable, customizable hoof pick that carries not just our brand name, but Justin’s signature touch of quality.

Outside of the shop, Justin found joy in the wild — fishing, hunting, and backpacking with his wife, Kathleen, and their son, Jake. He brought that same quiet strength and patience from the mountains into his work, and into our team.

Justin will always be a part of the legacy of Tom Balding Bits & Spurs. His craftsmanship lives on in every engraved detail, every well-balanced bit, and every tool that feels just right in your hand.

We are honored to have worked beside him, and we are grateful for the countless ways he shaped this shop — and our lives.