Knifemaker / researcher: Grace Horne

Grace Horne was co-researcher and expert learner for this project. She is a contemporary knifemaker with a background in metalwork and jewellery whose earlier work focussed on creating different forms of knives in an innovative and exploratory manner. She also has a background in research having studied solid state diffusion bonded Damascus steel and its role within custom knifemaking for her PhD.

Grace’s interest in knife making came from her knowledge of the traditional Sheffield knifemakers and over the last eight years she has spent time getting to know them and their craft skills. Prior to this project she had made several folding knives, but their design had been constrained by the limit to her understanding of their construction.

Examples of Grace's knives starting from early ones through to ones made during the project: