WJS Sheffield Branch
Meeting Report - January 2008
| Stuart Mitchell explains the construction of a knife |
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The January meeting of the WJS, 'The Art and Science of Cutlery Manufacture', was attended by over 40 members and guests, not least amongst whom was Sheffield's Master Cutler, Gordon Bridge. The Master Cutler opened the meeting by explaining the historical role of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, protecting the interests of the cutlers and assuring the quality of Sheffield made knives. To this day, the Company still plays an active role in promoting the cutting tool, engineering and steel making trades in Sheffield, and is the guardian of the 'Sheffield' trade name.
Stephen Cater, a metallurgist from TWI, and Stuart Mitchell, one of Sheffield's last remaining 'Little Mesters', then gave an enlightening and entertaining talk on the development of knife making. For several millennia, from the first use of metal knives to supplant flint cutting tools, to the coming of mass production in the Industrial Revolution, the production of knives, swords and axes was very much a black art whose secrets were carefully guarded by those smiths who mastered the process. Certain areas of the world - Damascus, Sheffield, Solingen and Toledo - developed a reputation as centres of excellence for the production of blades and these, if not the secrets of their manufacture, were widely traded.
After an overview of the various manufacturing processes that can be used for creating a blade: casting, forging and machining, Stephen explained how these influence the quality of the metal and its ability to take and hold a good cutting edge. It transpired that hardness alone is not the only factor governing the ability of a knife to cut well: the shape, angle and composition of the cutting edge all play an important part in its performance.
Stuart then discussed how the intended use of a knife influences its design, and how a skilled craftsman utilising modern metallurgical knowledge can make a knife that combines both superlative performance and superb artistry. Examples were shown of both ancient and modern knives, from Grecian cast bronze short swords to the latest in craftsman made knives created using the most modern of ultra-clean steels.
The meeting ended with a lively debate and a review of the many knives, axes and swords on display. A good proportion of these were replicas of Viking composite swords and Saxon seaxes, kindly brought along by master craftsman Owen Bush who had travelled up from Kent for the event.
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Stephen Cater discusses the
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Part of the display of knives and swords |
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