Moonlight Forge wins first and second place at the Royal Cornwall Show with knife and razor

This year I was able to attend the Royal Cornwall show in Wadebridge as part of the Cornish Blacksmiths collective. The Blacksmith stand is there to demonstrate the craft of Blacksmithing and is included in part of the National Blacksmith Competition. I entered one of my pocket knives (which now lives in my pocket) and a straight razor (commissioned by Tom from Andy’s Barbers, Helston) into the tool, knife and axe section. I was over the moon to win 1st prize with the pocket knife and second with the straight razor. The pocket knife was then positioned 3rd overall for the static displays.

The show was also visited by HRH the Earl of Wessex (Prince Edward) who came to the Blacksmith stand to see us demonstrating the craft. I had been asked to make a paper knife to present to him and was delighted to be making another when he arrived and was able to explain to him how it was made before presenting him with in the words of Blue Peter “one I had made earlier, it feels like quite an honour to have been asked to do this.

The show was a great success being a great social event, spending time with other Blacksmiths discussing ideas and techniques over a beer or two in the evening and being able to watch other Blacksmiths at work picking up tips, new methods and being able to see some of their tools and how they’re made. All this adds up to my brain now being very active with thoughts and ideas of projects to make over the comming year to enter next time – it has really managed to get my creative juices flowing!

Why not check out my facebook page to see some pictures of me demonstrating.