Description
A beautiful lifetime tool and dual-purpose piece that has a place on any crafting desk. I designed this knife for my own packaging needs and it has been a pleasure to use. On the main end, is a straight knife blade inspired by traditional woodworking marking knifes. The pen/scalpel style grip it’s used in is comfortable while being easy to apply any pressure required for your craft, whether cutting paper, leather, or anything else. The knife is made from high carbon tool steel and has a simple flat bevel, making it as easy as possible to resharpen yourself. In the heat-treating process, the steel is hardened to approximately half way down the handle, ensuring that this tool can last at least one lifetime.
On the back of the knife is a folding edge commonly known as a “bone folder” (they were historically made of bone, though many modern available are plastic). The straight edge has a generously rounded surface, ground very smooth, perfect for running along folds in paper/card for that perfectly crisp crease. The point, being forged into an acute angle allows it to get into very tight corners and smooth any folding project.
Craft knife is approximately 170mm long and 25mm wide
Handedness
Part of the design of the knife blade is that it is beveled on only one side. This, for one, makes it much easier for an inexperienced sharpener to get a solid finish when resharpening. The main reason is so that the flat back of the blade will line flat against a straight-edge or rule. This lets you get much tighter, more accurate cuts, but does mean that it is suited to only being used in one hand. You will have a much better experience with the tool with one ground with your dominant hand in mind. And, I really want you to enjoy using it.
Finishing & Rust
Once the piece has been forged, I clean the scale from the surface of the steel and treat it with a wax-based finish. I use a traditional wax finish called “Blacksmith’s Black” (or “goop” when talking to another smith) which I make myself. The finish is applied to the steel hot, which allows it to really seep into the surface texture and form a long lasting protection from wear and rust.
Iron is the largest component of steel, so rust is unavoidable. Rust is the natural patina caused by exposure to moisture (often in the air). Over time, any protective finish will wear with use, allowing the air to get at the steel. Jewellery is particularly good at resisting rust if worn regularly, as the oils present in your skin really helps protect the surface. If rust does start to develop, it can always be cleaned off with a wire brush or wire wool, and retreated with furniture wax.
Each item is unique
I forge my work by hand, traditionally, with a 2.5lb cross pein hammer usually (It’s my favourite). So each item can come out slightly differently. I try to prioritise consistency and making sure you get the item you expect, but there will always be slight variations in size, shape and texture. That’s what makes hand-made items unique!
Lead Times & Shipping
Most of my items are “made to order”, which means they are forged specially for you when you order rather than being pre-made and stored. This means that if you need any details tweaked or slightly changed, I can do that for you, no problem. It does affect the shipping times however, and I advertise a 1 week lead-time to give me time to forge and finish the items you order.
I ship using Royal Mail for all items. For domestic orders (within the UK) I offer free shipping and ship with 2nd class. International orders are shipped ”signed for”. I cannot dictate anything about the shipping process once it is dispatched. I make sure I send packages with the required customs documentation, but delays coming through an international border can always be unpredictable.