The Better Together Knife Set is the result of a close collaboration between George Barnsley & Sons and Nigel Armitage of Armitage Leather.
 
Designed to work with the user rather than against them, these knives have been developed to improve control, accuracy and comfort when cutting leather.
 
A Handle Designed for Control
 
During the design process, Nigel drew inspiration from the traditional Barlow knife, a pattern with roots in Sheffield dating back to the 1600s and credited to Obadiah Barlow.
 
This connection to Sheffield's knife-making heritage is particularly fitting, as every Better Together knife is manufactured in Sheffield today.
 
The distinctive swell of the handle is central to the design. It encourages an open grip, reducing the tendency to overpower the cut. Excessive force is often responsible for slips, wandering cuts and following unwanted grooves in the cutting board. By reducing grip pressure, the knife naturally tracks more accurately through the leather.
 
Half Head Knife
Nigel's personal favourite.
 
The Half Head is designed for both push cuts and pull cuts. It excels on straight lines and curves and can often be used without a rule or template. In a reverse grip, it performs beautifully as a pull-cutting knife in the Japanese style.
 
The carefully selected grind angle provides an efficient cutting action without binding, while still allowing the knife to be rocked through material when required.
 
The blade profile has also been designed to minimise the risk of contact with the user's hand, making it comfortable and safe in either grip.
 
Bird's Beak Knife
A traditional design that remains popular for one simple reason – it works.
 
The long blade and open grip help the knife follow a curve naturally, reducing the influence of small hand movements. This makes it particularly effective when cutting sweeping curves and freehand shapes.
 
Like a record player's needle following a groove, the blade naturally tracks the cut when used with a light touch.
 
Trim Knife
Designed primarily for straight cuts using a rule.
 
The blade geometry maximises the amount of cutting edge engaged with the leather, improving consistency and helping maintain a clean cutting line. It also compresses the leather ahead of the cut, providing additional stability, particularly when working with thinner materials.
 
Materials
The blades are laser cut from either 2.5mm 14C28N stainless steel or O1 carbon steel and finished with a vibropolished surface.
 
The 14C28N version is available with sustainably sourced Black North American Walnut or Limited Edition Indian Rosewood handles.
 
The O1 version is fitted with British Beech handles.
 
Choosing Your Steel
 
14C28N Stainless Steel
A premium Swedish stainless steel offering excellent corrosion resistance, outstanding edge retention and low maintenance. It is ideal for makers who want maximum performance with minimal upkeep.
 
O1 Carbon Steel
A traditional tool steel valued for its toughness, ease of sharpening and exceptionally keen edge. O1 develops a natural patina through use and rewards those who appreciate traditional tool steels.
 
Finishing Touches
 
The handles are carefully sanded, secured with solid brass bar and finished with mineral oil to enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain.
 
Each set is supplied in a Sheffield-made British Ash presentation box, laser engraved with the Better Together logo. The lined interior features precision-cut recesses to hold each knife securely, making the box equally suited to storage, transport and display.
 
Personalisation
Custom laser engraving is available on all knives.
 
Simply add your knife to the basket and select the laser engraving option to create a truly personal tool.
 
Click here to personalise