We have been working closely with Nigel to create a set of knives that not only work with you, but will elevate your cutting to a much higher level.
A bit about the handle... in the design process Nigel followed the traditional shape of the 'Barlow knife', a knife popularised in the US by Mark Twain in the Stories of Tom Sayer but that has its origins in Sheffield, England, as far back as the 1600’s and is credited to Obadiah Barlow.
This is nod to the traditions of the Sheffield knife industry, especially as that is where these are being manufactured today.
The large swell on the handle, the nod to the Barlow, is what gives this knife it’s superpower. It allows for an open grip, this takes the power away from the cut, and after all, it is the power that causes all the issues, rules slipping, following grooves on the board and forcing the knife to cut in the wrong place.
The three knife set includes;
Half Head
This knife is officially Nigels' favourite!
It can be used as both a push cut on straights and curves with little need for a rule or form, and as a pull cut in reverse grip, Japanese style.
The shape of the grip really comes into it’s own in either style.
The angle of the grind has been chosen to get the most out of the cut, but not so shallow, it binds.This helps with the push cuts, but is also large enough to rock cut as well.
In both grip styles, the blade is shaped to ensure there is no contact with the user making it very safe in either option.
Birds Beak
This is a design that is not only very old, but can still be found in use today, with good reason to, it is an excellent design to cut curves.
The long blade and the open grip will cause the knife to follow a line as opposed to being influenced by a short blade and choked grip.It is surprising how much the movements of our hand effects the cut when we are moving it.
The long curve also lends itself surprisingly well to freehand cutting, think of the needle of a record player following the groove of the record.It just would not work if we applied too much force.
Trim Knife
This is a draw cut knife, idea for all straight cuts especially when using a rule.
The angle of the blade has been set to assist with engaging as much of the cutting edge as possible into the leather. This reduces variation in the cutting line and compresses the leather early as a hold down assist. This helps when cutting thinner leather.
The knives are laser cut from 2mm D2 Tool steel with a Vibropolished finish, fitted with a Black North American Walnut Handle secured with polished solid Brass Bar and finished with Mineral Oil to bring out the natural lustre and grain of the beautiful wood
The three knife set comes with a Sheffield made British Ash Box, laser etched with the 'Better Together' Logo. The box is lined with a dark brown leather where the handles sit in the precision cut knife slots to hold your knives safe and snug while in transit and for their lifetime sat on display on your work bench! The box itself is a thing of beauty!