Thread: Sheffield knifemaker mester

Originally Posted by majurey

I'm guessing this has links to the German for money: Geld. Maybe it migrated to Sheffield's cutlery industries as a result of some Sheffield/Solingen work experience/cultural visits amongst artisans?

It probably did come from the German, but a bit earlier in time. Oh, around the saxon invasion would be my guess.

I live in Sheffield and have been to see Trevor a few times and I have a small collection of his knives. He is always very friendly and welcoming when you go to see him. After watching him make his knives I have no idea how he does it for the money after he has paid all his overheads. I talked to him about an apprentice once and he said that he has asked Sheffield City Council if they would pay the apprentice while he was training and they said no. He can’t afford to train and fund an apprentice because the cost would be too high. Once there were hundreds of little mesters in Sheffield I think that Trevor and Bill are the last one’s still working. Bill who works with him makes Bowie Knives and commando daggers. But he is in his eighties and doesn’t make that many knives anymore; saying that Trevor is in his sixties and has partly retired he only works 5 days a week now. That was a comment that he said last time I saw him. With regards buying his knives he doesn’t advertise however there is a web site that sells his knives. I asked Trevor about straight razors last time I went to see him and he said that when he was an apprentice you did every job in the factory and learned your skill that way. If one of the little mesters took a shine to you they would take you under their wing and finish your training. Because of this Trevor only pinned straights not made or ground them.
http://www.sheffield-cutlery.com/pocketknife.html

I hope that I am not braking any rule by putting that web site up if I am I’m sorry and will take it down. I have never bought from this web site and have no idea if they are any good. I just know they sell Trevors knives

I ordered one of Trevor Ablett's pocket knives in early February. He was so inundated with orders after the Guardian article appeared that he has struggled to keep up. After a couple of email exchanges with the distributor, I left it to arrive whenever it was ready. It would come. So I had quite forgotten my order when a little package arrived for me yesterday.

It really is a beautiful thing to behold. It is so well made. Everything is flush, smooth, and solid. And it was a lovely touch to be given a little slip of paper as a certificate. I really recommend Trevor's knives. They are just incredible value for money. I have a feeling I'll be ordering more in future.

Anyway, here's the photo of my new EDC. Stag horn scales, clip point CS blade, brass bolsters.

That is one of the nicest traditional slip joints I have seen in a long time. Enjoy it, carry it!

Great to see a master at work! His hands tell the story of a lifetime of skilled usage. I also liked the sparking of the steel off of the belt as it indicates a good high carbon steel. Love to get one or two of his knives. Do you have an address or email?



QUOTE=majurey;534588]Wasn't sure where best to post this link, but thought this forum might be most appropriate. Interesting audio slideshow on a fast-disappearing livelihood. I wonder if the term 'Mester' has the same etymology as 'Mastro' in Italy (as in Mastro Livi)?

Disappearing acts: Making a Sheffield pocket knife | Money | guardian.co.uk[/QUOTE]

I ordered one of Trevor Ablett's pocket knives in late February and waited for it to arrive. I am very pleased with this pocket knife, very sharp and well made.

@Howard

Exile gave us the website address which is Pocket Knives Made in Sheffield by Little Mester Trevor Ablett

The distributor is Robert Day. Be prepared for a 3-month wait as the orders are still stacked up I think. But well worth it.

Cheers
M.