Nottingham Knifeworks

Handmade kitchen knives using recycled & sustainable materials

About Us

Bernard Caille

 Made in Nottingham

Sustainability is important to me. I use as much recycled material as possible. The two steels I work with are manufactured in Sheffield: the SF100 stainless steel is 95% recycled, the 80CRV2 carbon steel is 80% recycled.

The knife handles are made using as much recycled material as possible. You can choose from Smile Plastics exciting and unusual products or wood from old vines worked with a minimal amount of resin for a beautiful hybrid handle. The wood I use is sourced Locally and then stabilised. I use recovered or recycled denim and other textiles to produce homemade micarta.

I trained as a blacksmith in the mid 80’s in France. Soon after I moved to England and my career took a different path. That love of creating something unique with my own hands has never left me and I decided to learn the tricky skill of knifemaking. The knives I create are individual; they are not factory perfect, but those slight imperfections are what makes each one special.

As a passionate and skilled cook, I understand the importance of having the right knife. We all have a favourite knife that has that magic combination of performance and comfort. The right knife becomes an extension of your brain through your hand. I create knives that I hope will become your most valued kitchen tool, with a style that reflects your personality.

photo courtesy of

www.meadowman2.com

Delivery Information

Shipping info and Knife care

All knives on the website are in stock and will be dispatched the same day if ordered by 2pm using Royal Mail tracked 24 with age verification.

UPS, DHL or Fedex to Europe and worldwide destinations.

Care

Always keep your knife dry and clean!

Hand wash with warm soapy water. No abrasive sponges or pads.

Never put your knife in the dishwasher or leave it soaking in water.

Dry your knife completely and store separately in a drawer or on a knife rack

The SF100 Sheffield stainless steel shouldn’t change in appearance, but excessive use of scouring pads will dull the look. All Carbon steel despite the forced patina will rust and discolour if left wet or in contact with acidic food. Clean the blade as soon as you can and apply a little oil when necessary. Do wear gloves when cleaning the blade.

The wooden handles, old vine and resin handles are waterproof but occasionally applying a little mineral oil will be beneficial. All knives are supplied with a coating of Pelican Paste which is 100% food safe and is specially designed for long-lasting protection of blade steel and handles.

Smile plastic and Kirinite handles require no particular care.

Sharpening

The knife is sharp when supplied

To bring the edge back I prefer to use a strop but a couple of passes on a steel or honing rod will do the job.

Most home sharpening kits will have similar results.

Japanese whetstones are very good but require a lot of practice to get it right.

Lifetime Guarantee

With proper care and following simple maintenance guidance the knife should last a lifetime.

If misused a knife will break, bend or chip. If left wet handles may crack and split.

As Long as I make knives I will make good material defects. Cosmetic defects are part of the life of a knife and daily use will give it its own personality.