I have a long running interest in the great outdoors and the kit that helps me to enjoy it. Yes, I am in many ways a common or garden kit junkie but, understanding the kit, what works what doesn't, what I need and what I don't, the design, the history and the craftsmanship is for me an integral part of the enjoyment.

As many of us do, I face the ongoing time/money challenge that limits my exposure to wild places but, I can still dream and plan and tinker and research when day-to-day life permits. And always look forward to my next trip!

Over the years I have investigated owned and used various; tents; rucksacks; boots; tarps; sleeping bags; stoves; pots...you get the picture...! I've been through the process of amassing, minimising, reducing and lightening my kit (in some areas going too far one way and then back the other).

At some point through all of this I developed a particular interest in cutting tools (as if an interest in alcohol stoves or Dyneema rucksacks wasn't particular enough!). It was in cutting tools (knives, axes, saws) that I found a potential creative outlet and it is this that spawned this website. 

I have no particular background in IT, design, manual trades, manufacturing or arts and crafts but I have always been willing to try and turn my hand to things. This is the first website I have made, the first blog I have written, the first thing I have published and it all relates to my first steps in to the world of knife making. 

I hope I can share some useful information and experience about knife making as I move on from 'Day 1'. I also hope to share bits and pieces about other kit that I have picked up along the way and to give thanks and pay my respects to those of you out there who have gone before me and from whom I have learnt so much.