!! Update !!
New stock for February 2007 below !!
See and buy them in the flesh at the National Living History Fayre on the 16th - 18th Feb 07
Warwickshire Exhibition Centre
Rob the Builder's Knives
Welcome !!
Here you will find pictures and current prices of the knives that I am currently making and selling. If you wish any further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch either by phoning, writing or emailing
So what are they, and what are they not ?
These are knives made by my own fair hands from conception to finished article. They are based explicitly on Tudor patterns, since that is wot I do - my family and I take part in regular Tudor re-enactment events at Kentwell Hall in Suffolk. Having wood and metalwork skills, I decided to start making one of the essential bits of kit for any aspiring Tudor at a price that would not break the bank, particularly if you are just starting out in the this game.
Although the knives are designed to be appropriate to the Tudor period, I take pride in them being good knives to use - they are not just for decoration ! They are made from AISI 0-1 type tool steel, hardened and tempered to take a good edge, while being flexible enough to not be too brittle. The 1/8th inch thick steel runs right throughout the knife, giving the knife good strength. I can offer a choice of woods for the handles, depending on what the user wants to have - beech for the kitchen, hazel for general purpose, steamed pear for dramatic flourish .... pretty much whatever you wish - you only have to ask. See a different shape to the handle wood you like, or want to able to get one to suit big or small hands - I will happily change anything and make it suit !
These are not made from stainless steel, and the handles are made of natural wood. That means that you will need to look after these more than you would a Bowie knife ! The handles will need oiling with an appropriate wood oil (I find that the oil from IKEA for their worktops is perfect, and it's foodsafe, of course), and the blades will need to be polished and sharpened to keep away any rust. If it gets wet, dry it when you can, but never dry knives or leather scabbards too close to a fire - wood and leather will crack, and if it gets hot enough, a knife will lose it's temper. Look after the knife, and it should look after you for many a while !
Enough - some pictures ...
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New February stock - currently over 40 in stock ready now, including cook's knives, matching sets and various different handle woods including elm, apple, yew, sycamore, beech and ash. As always, if you want something slightly different, I can make it for you ! |
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Sheaths also available for all knives for an extra £5 Locking thong to prevent loss or injury included ! |
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| These are thumbnails of older stocks, some of which I still have - click to enlarge .... | ||||||
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Leaf shaped knives - top with elm, bottom with hazel. Can be small (4" blade) or large (6" blade) |
Small group - from left, steamed pear, yew, elm and hazel. Three blade shapes, all 4 or 6" long |
Large group - from left, yew, beech, hazel and yew again. First two cooking knives, then a general purpose, then a stiletto style thinner bladed version. All blades about 6 to 8" long
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Small pair - yew handle on top, steamed pear below
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| Coring and filleting knives - beech on top, steamed pear below | Large cook's knife with beech handle, and an extra long (5 finger) elm handled short blade | |||||
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Pricing : This is fairly easy. The small ones with a 4-6" blade are generally £25 The medium ones are usually slightly bigger than this - 6 to 8", but similar styles are generally £30 The large ones over 8" and with a blade width above 1 1/2 " are £35 Sheathes are £5 for any size. This does not include postage, which will be charged at cost. Ordering : You can order by phone, post or email, and I am happy to accept cheques or PayPal. Please do not pay me until I have confirmed your order and arranged an approximate time for delivery. I would rather say that I cannot take any more orders for a while than have you feeling upset because you haven't got it yet ! If you are not sure what you want, then please ring - I'm happy to talk to you about anything here, but please, no phone calls after 9pm (UK time). There is an answerphone on during the day, so please feel free to leave a message, and I will get back to you. You can call me on 01772 814257 or email rob@gillions.org.uk (which is also my verified PayPal email address). In the real world, I am in the north west of the UK : Rob Gillions 53 Moss Lane, Hesketh Bank, Preston PR4 6AA
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the bit I have to put in to avoid any potential unpleasantness. I don't like
to have to, but there you go. These are made by me - an enthusiastic amateur. I do not buy in the blades, I start from the raw materials. I take pride in what I do, that's part of the fun, but please do not compare these to museum quality pieces. Each one is slightly different and there may well be tooling marks or blemishes - indeed, they are all meant to be hand made and all different. All sizes are approximate. They will all be fit for the purpose for what they are designed - for use as a knife. If you do wish to buy, and I would be very pleased if you like them enough to, then please be aware that I will do my very best to make you happy with your purchase, but that there are limits. At the point of ordering, I will be able to tell you whether I will be able to accept a return of your knife based on the saleability to someone else if you have made any particularly special requests. If you are ordering a standard knife and you are unhappy, I will be glad to offer a refund less the postage provided it is returned in an unused condition. Any questions, then please feel free to ask at the point of ordering - I won't be offended !
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