“I was told as I was starting my bladesmithing journey by someone to “just go for it. It will either work or it won’t and if you don’t try you’re going to kick yourself forever after.”
Please tell us a bit about your work and your influences
I am a self taught bladesmith making kitchen knives out of 1084 and SF100 Sheffield steel. My influences are a big part of my work. I believe a tool that is used every day such as a kitchen knife should be valued sentimentally. I have been using materials that are sentimental to me such as wood from my grandfather and steel from Sheffield’s golden age of steel production. My work is only starting now that I have finished uni and I have a lifetime of knowledge to learn. Luckily the bladesmithing community has been so kind and generous with their time and knowledge.
How have you found your course and what made you choose it?
I chose this course because of the location and the workshop access. I did not know what I wanted to do coming to uni but did know it was going to be some sort of craft. I have found it difficult at times to figure out my way but with the help of the amazing technicians and tutors I was motivated to follow my passion which is kitchen knifes and kitchen wear.
Did you go on a placement?
I did not go on a placement but I did visit some bladesmiths in my own time. They are a very kind and generous group of makers and I would feel blessed and honoured to call myself a part of this group one day.
Was the location of the course important to you?
I think the location is important for me. Coming from Huddersfield there is not a whole lot of business and opportunities. This city is a great chance for me to make connections with other important people and groups.
What are your plans after graduating?
My plans after graduation is to find full or part time work in a similar area such as welding or blacksmithing and then carry on my bladesmithing in my own time. Me and my twin brother who is also a blacksmith have talked about renting a workspace in Brighton that we can set up a forge in. This would be great for us and a really fun niche business that I believe Brighton would love.
What advice would you give to yourself at 16?
If I could give my 16 year old advice about university it would be that nothing is impossible at this stage of your life. University opens up many different life paths to choose from. I was told as I was starting my bladesmithing journey by someone to “just go for it. It will either work or it won’t and if you don’t try you’re going to kick yourself forever after”
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