The Editor took some time out this week to interview Gavin Roberts, whose face used to adorn the packets of the Kernow sausage brand. Gavin, a master butcher, has expanded into some bespoke knife making and some of his creations are the talk of Cornwall and getting better known across the UK.
Do you have a signature style or design that you incorporate into your knives?
That’s a good question. To be honest, most knifemakers seem desperate to come up with one or two designs that they can start knocking out. That’s not really my style. I’m more considered than that and prefer to take on commissions from discerning clients looking for bespoke and unique builds. I like to make knives that have a flowing form, almost as if nature shaped them. You’ll see lots of subtle curves in my work. I rarely produce square or angular knives. I’ve a couple of flourishes that I am fond of that, so far as I am aware, are unique to me. I’ve created a method of casting resin handles that replicate the scales of a fish. The first was inspired by my 6-year-old daughter catching her first Cornish Mackerel with me. The colours of that massive fish in my little girl’s hands, its iridescent shimmer, I wanted to capture that. I also have refined an etching technique to etch the blades themselves. One of my most recent builds uses this to great effect on a combination set of Fish Fillet knife and Oyster Shucker.
How do you ensure the quality and durability of your knives?
I’ve used, abused & tested more knives, for more hours than you’d know, and in the most demanding environments. When I design a knife, I’m able to draw on all of that experience. When it comes to my builds, every knife is tested on the Rockwell scale to ensure the desired hardness has been achieved. I’ve a set of in-house tests that I put a knife through before committing handle material to ensure I am satisfied with the blade’s ability to take & hold an edge. I send my knives out with a “Life of Knife” re-sharpening service. I fully expect my clients will want to sharpen their own knives from time to time but for the cost of return postage, I’ll re-grind, polish, and dress their investment for them. I’m always happy to stand by my work.
What challenges do you face as a knifemaker, and how do you overcome them?
Lots of makers would say that there is always the “but a £10 Mora does the job” guy but I don’t see that guy as a challenge. He simply will never entertain buying a custom knife. Like top-end European Glass, or hand-engraved sidelocks the law of diminishing returns applies to custom knives too.
Will a custom knife do the job better?
Yes, it should feel better in hand, perform the job with greater ease & retain an edge longer assuming it’s being used with a modicum of knife skills. It should be a joy to own, pick up, and use. In the case of a truly custom knife, it has the potential to have a sentimental value unrivalled by any precision rifle or even the most expensive of sports cars.
The biggest challenge is getting out there. Promoting yourself as a Custom Knife-maker is very difficult. As I write this, it appears I have been shadow-banned on Instagram. That’s when they limit your content to only being available to people that follow you already – not helpful when trying to raise awareness. My content is always tasteful, I restrict my followers to 18 years+, and try to be original but Social Media is very anti-knife and even anti-field sports…it drives me crazy ..and don’t get me started on TikTok.
The platforms will allow you to watch two idiots without an ounce of pugilistic talent (Certainly no Sugar Ray Leonard) stand 3ft apart and slap one another into next week… they don’t, however, accept that hunting is a viable means of feeding ourselves, that knives are simply tools and are only any danger of being harmful when in the hands of an entirely different tool.
Distribution is getting harder too… just when Royal Mail launched a 25yr+ service that was perfect for our community… they went and banned all knife deliveries.
Can you share any memorable experiences or stories from your journey as a knifemaker?
There have been several… one that comes to mind is of a companion set of Deerstalking knives I made for a local chef. Daniel had been in a very traumatic RTA and sustained an awful injury to his leg. The extent of his injury required multiple operations and on several occasions he was told he may well lose the leg. Daniel was having none of it and with a steamy resolve & decent medical team he recovered. To mark coming out the right side of that personal battle, I was commissioned to make Daniel a set of knives that have the titanium pins that held his leg together, cast in the handles complete with bone fragments. The belt clip is made from a piece of bracing that bridged his ankle to help it fuse. A great way to mark his journey, his return to the field & a real privilege to have been entrusted with.
Are there any particular knife designs or techniques that you find most rewarding to work on?
I love all my builds. The filleting knives are great fun, and making truly top-end butchers’ tools that I know will really be used is a great feeling …but ….I do like making deerstalking knives…I think it’s purely because they embody so many of my passions in one foul swoop.
How do you approach custom orders or requests from clients?
The important thing here is to really nail what they need. Quite often a conversation starts out with an excitable client who’s decided to commission something but they aren’t entirely sure just what. The success of any build is in a well-defined brief.
- What will it be used for & how will it be carried?
- What’s the budget?.. is there one?
- What kind of finish would they like on the blade?…satin, acid-etched (grey/black), custom-etched, mirror polished
- What handle materials do they want?…modern composite, traditional wood, or Bone/stag?
- Any personalized details?.. casting, messages, initials, etc
I often ask for tracing to be sent so I can scale the handle to the owner.
Turnaround is typically 6-8 weeks but can be longer on more complex builds
What advice would you give to someone interested in getting started in knifemaking?
Start small, keep it simple & be prepared to put the time in. It genuinely is one of those pursuits where there’s no such thing as failure, just lessons along the way. It really isn’t as easy as people think it is but then don’t let that stop you.
Some folk love traditional blacksmith-style rustic pieces, others love highly polished contemporary builds. None of this really matters but make pieces that you like as making these will keep your interest and practice makes perfect, if there is such a thing. On that note…try really hard to “nail it” but embrace small imperfections. It separates your handcrafted work from some laser-guided CNC piece off the shelf.
Oh…buy a good dust mask…believe me …you’re gonna need it!
How do you balance tradition with innovation in your craft?
I think my own style is developing all the time. I like mixing up the old and the new. Materials like maple Burl & Stag antler are very traditional. They do, of course, have drawbacks. Antler, in particular, is very porous and harbours bacteria at a level that would have your EHO wincing. By using vacuum chambers and modern resins, I stabilise these materials, making the most traditional materials fit for a modern world. Foodsafe & future-proof.
I take a similar approach with Sheaths. I do love a touch of leather but Kydex/ Hybrids are the best of both worlds. The convenience & hygiene of a thermoplastic sheath that can be washed out easily with no adverse effects can’t be faulted. Add a leather wrap with hand embossing for a touch of traditional class.
I’ve just started experimenting with Stainless Damascus. Patterned Damascus has long been lusted after by gunmakers, cutlets, and smithy’s way back to the dark ages. There is something special about the aesthetics of patterned steel and that contrast. Traditionally a high carbon steel mix – some of the leading metal manufacturers are producing stainless equivalents. The best of both worlds, cool patterned steel with stainless corrosion resistance… We will have to see how it is to work with.
Can you discuss the importance of craftsmanship and attention to detail in knifemaking?
Attention to detail is paramount when making truly custom pieces. By that I don’t just mean “Handmade” I mean “Bespoke”…there is a difference. It’s not just about the execution but also about being inspired and realising that inspiration. Of course, Handles without gaps, matching wood grain across the scales, balance both left-right & fore and aft…. All are prerequisites.
What role do aesthetics play in the design of your knives?
First & foremost …functionality should always be the primary priority. A pretty knife that is of poor design is still unfit for purpose and knives are tools. They should be designed in such a way that they lend themselves to performing that task with ease. Assuming the design is sound though then aesthetics do play a big part though beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A custom knife should call to its owner to pick it up and use it at any given opportunity. It should summon the works of Tolkien… “My Precious”
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about?
I’ve a few actually that I am thrilled to be involved with. I am currently working on a memorial build for Sarah Miles Shooting. It’s a very personal build that pays tribute to Sarah’s late father. I’m very humbled to have been entrusted with it and look forward to completing it for her in the coming weeks. It’s one of those builds where I find myself emotionally invested.
I’ve a traditional, straight-spined boning knife on the go for Chef Chris McClurgh, head chef at Paul Ainsworth’s No 6# Padstow. I met Chris many years ago in my former capacity and am thrilled to be making a boning knife for him to use in that fantastic kitchen. Without a doubt consistently one of the best in the business.
I’ve an HD Stalking knife on the go for Henry Young of Youngs Sporting.
Henry and I have a mutual friend that introduced us through Deerstalking. Henry is a professional guide and will really put his Barvus Build to hard use. Mostly I’m looking forward to this one as I foresee some Tuna fishing and Muntjac Stalking on the horizon.
Thanks for agreeing to be interviewed. Best of luck with your knives and other enterprises.
Gavin’s knives can be found on Instagram here, on TikTok here and on Facebook here.