Chris Cadman
About Chris Cadman
Willslock Forge is a small bladesmithing forge based in Staffordshire, England. I focus on making traditional, durable and beautiful tools using primarily locally sourced and upcyled materials.
My main focus is currently on UK legal, hand-forged folding knives. Given the deep history of the local area, I try to incorporate Anglo-Saxon, Viking and Celtic designs into my work. Many of my knives are inspired by or based on archaeological finds from around the British Isles and across Europe.
Further Info
Specialised in
- Hand-forged historical knives and tools
- Bespoke handmade UK legal folding knives
Open to the Public?
No
Provides Course / Training
No
Available for Craft Fairs
Available - please ask about pricing
Hand-forged Viking friction folder with English boxwood handle
This knife is a UK legal folding knife that is inspired by Anglo-Saxon and Viking age folding knives found at various archaeological sites around Europe. This particular blade is a forged from 400 year old wrought iron with a fire-welded 1095 carbon steel cutting edge. This was a common construction method (Tylecote Type 1) for Viking age and early medieval knives.
This knife is based on Viking-age folding knives found in Novgorod, but with a wooden handle instead of iron. The English boxwood was locally sourced from Derbyshire, England. The full-flat grind makes this blade easy to keep razor sharp and ideal for whittling and woodworking.