Leszek Sikon Artisan Blacksmith

Originally from Poland, I earnt a decent living as a middle manager in retail, yet this career left me feeling wholly unfulfilled. I knew that I wanted to create something that would last. I was thrilled to learn that Hereford College of Arts ran a blacksmithing course. The next thing I knew, I have quit my job and started training. Since then I produced a series of superb artisan tools and knives, using age-old skills to produce modern objects of desire. My inspiration comes from the history and the traditional methods. For me Having these skills has paid off more than a career in retail ever would. Tool making is what I enjoy the most as a blacksmith and most commonly used tools are kitchen knives. Upon my research, I have found that all around the world there is long tradition, of craftsmen that specialize in knife making. The multitude of shapes lengths, methods of sharpening is mind boggling also chefs that specialize in different cuisine chose different knives. All of those designs were developed to perform a particular task and this gave me an access to the whole new world of tools I can make. This is when I decided to make a set that would bring together both of my knowledge of materials, toolmaking and the traditional forms to create the knives that will excel in the kitchen.