So, about the maker...

My name is Joshua Westbrook Hancock, born in Somerset UK 1991. I always have had a keen interest in wildlife and the natural world. As with many of us, I would spend hours of my childhood exploring the countryside and looking for wildlife. Between 2011 to 2012 I studied level 4 in bushcraft leadership under Woodcraft school in Sussex. This was a wonderful and highly inspirational experience.

I have never been one for the digitalised modern world and have spent the best part of 6 years living an off grid lifestyle, close to nature. in 2020, I started running my own courses in bushcraft and primitive technology under Avalon Bushcraft, which still runs a few dates a year over the summer.

My journey with knifemaking started in 2009, when I would take old files, grind them into shape and set them into antler handles. I believe I sold my first knife at college for £20! My work then progressed into blacksmithing, I learnt to forge a blade to high tolerances with both power and hand hammer. I also learnt to forge weld my own pattern welded  "Damascus" steel. 

Since teaching bushcraft and living outdoors for extended periods of time, I decided I wanted to create more knives in high performance stainless steels, so it was farewell to the forging and into the world of stock removal. This I began in 2022. Since then I have made many knives, with happy users in the UK and overseas.

Whilst I make stock pieces regularly which are available at shows and on this website, I am also more than happy to take on special custom designs.

​