Knives
During our Summer holidays a few years ago we could not resist calling in on Svante Djarv on our way through Sweden. He and his wife Elsa work from a workshop behind their house. Svante is the one who carefully and skillfully bashes and grinds the metal to produce the excellent tools we appreciate in the UK whilst Elsa makes and fits the handles to the tools, as well as admin and dispatching duties. Their business has grown and developed out of a clear understanding of what a particlar tool has to do, one that works very well and is a joy to have in the hand. The following is a translation of the copy on each of Svante's tools
"I am a craftsman who combines working closely with nature and traditional craft
Other knives come from Frosts/ Mora of Sweden. Knives have been made around the town of Mora for more than 300 years. Today the knives that come out of the modern and well organised factory are mass produced but attain a great level of sharpness and are pretty tough. They are also a great price.
We stock a small range of folding knives from well known French knife makers Opinel. Including a pruning knife and a general purpose pocket knife.
British Makers Ray Iles is now making a small range of carving knives, well worth a look at. Ben Orford's crook knives are exceptional
If you ever fancied spoon carving consider one of our courses at our workshop within the beautiful grounds of Beamish Museum, Co.Durham.Our next Turned Bowls and Carved Spoons course will be 19/20 May 2012.
Follow the link for more information and e-mail for a booking form