Blenheim Forge: Friends Turn Knife Forging Hobby into Business
Makerforte – Blenheim Forge began as an experimental hobby among friends Jon Warshawsky, James Ross-Harris, and Richard Warner, who shared a curiosity for crafting knives from scavenged materials and simple tools. The trio, aged 32, 27, and 29 at the time, started dabbling in knife-making in their backyard in 2012, driven by a desire to explore the possibilities of forging with limited resources.
What might have seemed like an unusual idea gained unexpected traction, thanks to a rising interest in DIY culture that embraced everything from craft beer to knitting. In 2013, just a year after their backyard experiments, the friends took the leap to set up a forge in Peckham, South East London, only a 10-minute walk from their shared home.
This decision proved pivotal, allowing the team to turn their passion into a growing business. Blenheim Forge quickly gained recognition for its handcrafted knives, which combine traditional forging techniques with a modern aesthetic. Their unique approach and dedication to quality attracted customers who value craftsmanship and authenticity.
Starting a forge in London a decade ago might have seemed impractical, but the timing couldn’t have been better. The resurgence of interest in artisanal goods provided the perfect environment for their business to thrive. What began as an experiment has grown into a sought-after brand, showcasing how passion, creativity, and a willingness to take risks can lead to success.
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Blenheim Forge, known for its handcrafted knives priced between £140 and £280, has become a favorite among professional chefs and dedicated home cooks. To keep up with the growing demand, the team has expanded, hiring additional workers to manage the influx of orders.
“People appreciate knowing the provenance of their tools,” co-founder Jon Warshawsky told The Independent. “Knowing a knife was made by someone passionate about their craft, rather than churned out of a factory, is very appealing. Quality is also a big factor—a stamped, mass-produced blade can never compete with a good hand-forged knife.”
However, creating these high-quality knives is far from easy. Warshawsky explained that two stages in the process—forge welding and hardening—are particularly challenging.
Forge welding involves fusing different metals to create the layered structure characteristic of Blenheim Forge knives. Success depends on precise control of factors like steel preparation, forge temperature, oxygen levels, and how the billet is worked. Errors at this stage often become apparent only after the blade is finished.
“When we started, we succeeded in only 1 out of every 10 attempts,” Warshawsky said. “Now, on a good day, we’re successful 8 out of 10 times.”
The hardening stage, part of the heat-treating process, also poses difficulties. The blade is heated to about 800 degrees Celsius and then quenched in oil or water, a process that can lead to warping, cracks, or even snapped blades. Despite these challenges, the team’s dedication to mastering their craft has resulted in significant progress and consistent quality.
Blenheim Forge remains steadfast in its commitment to craftsmanship, constantly refining and evolving its techniques while staying true to its artisan ethos. Despite the challenges of knife-making, the team continues to innovate, ensuring their knives meet the highest standards of quality and durability.
“In the recent couple of years, we’ve definitely seen more people creating amazing handcrafted goods,” co-founder Jon Warshawsky shared. “It’s definitely not a dying art.”
This growing interest in handcrafted items has fueled the resurgence of traditional crafts like knife-making, which demand skill, precision, and dedication. For Blenheim Forge, this trend aligns perfectly with their mission to produce knives that are not only functional but also works of art.
The team’s willingness to adapt and improve has been a cornerstone of their success. Whether it’s perfecting forge welding techniques or addressing the challenges of heat treating, their methods continue to evolve. At the same time, they remain grounded in the principles that have defined their journey: passion for craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the materials and processes involved.
As Blenheim Forge forges ahead, they represent a thriving community of artisans who are proving that handcrafted goods are more relevant than ever. Their dedication ensures that traditional skills, far from fading into obscurity, are experiencing a renaissance. With each blade they produce, Blenheim Forge showcases the enduring appeal of handmade craftsmanship in a world increasingly dominated by mass production.
Their journey is a testament to the power of innovation and passion, demonstrating that with the right mindset, traditional arts can not only survive but also thrive in today’s market. Blenheim Forge’s knives stand as a symbol of this revival, blending tradition with modern ingenuity.
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