The Heirloom Edge: Introducing the &SONS Alex Pole Forage Belt Knife

In an age dominated by mass production and fleeting trends, we find ourselves drawn to objects that possess weight, provenance, and the palpable signature of a human hand.

These are the rare pieces that transcend mere utility to become lifestyle investment pieces, built not just for a season, but for a lifetime.

This is the philosophy that underpins the quiet, yet profound, collaboration between &SONS and master blacksmith Alex Pole, culminating in the supremely desirable &SONS Alex Pole Forage Belt Knife. This isn’t just a daily carry; it’s a small, handheld manifesto against automation.

Alex Pole is a craftsman whose work is measured in the thousands of focused strikes upon hot steel, a maker who reads colour and rhythm rather than gauges and clocks.

The genesis of this “Everyday Knife”—a name that belies its extraordinary quality—is a simple bar of Swedish 80CrV2 carbon steel. From this raw beginning, Pole applies the fundamental, almost primal practice of forging: heating, hammering, tempering, and shaping the blade entirely by eye.

There are no shortcuts and absolutely no automation; just a visceral understanding of how steel, fire, and the anvil respond under the guidance of a hard-won skill.

The result of this patient process is a tool shaped with genuine purpose. In the hand, the knife feels undeniably honest: perfectly balanced, solid, and reassuringly robust without carrying unnecessary bulk.

The bevels are ground by Alex himself, meaning every single edge bears the unmistakable signature quality of the maker. This is a blade explicitly designed for daily, practical use, ready for anything from the delicate preparation required for campfire cooking to the simple, repetitive tasks that define life in the workshop.

Beyond the magnificent blade, the execution of the handle and fittings showcases a meticulous attention to detail. The knife is assembled component by component, each piece crafted and fitted by hand.

A rugged bronze bolster is milled and seamlessly integrated, separated from the warm, natural grip of the walnut handle by a subtle flash of colour provided by a red G10 spacer.

The walnut itself is shaped, sanded, and oiled by hand, ensuring a comfortable tactile experience that only improves with age and use. Every blade is stamped with the &SONS logo and individually numbered, signifying its place within this highly exclusive run.

This is where the exclusivity truly comes into focus. The &SONS Alex Pole Forage Belt Knife is limited to just twelve pieces globally. Twelve only. Each one possesses tiny variances, ensuring that the piece you carry is entirely unique, its own making.

This exclusivity is reflected in the price: £395. While the initial investment is significant, it secures not just a knife, but a small piece of enduring craft, complete with a hand-finished box and a certificate of authenticity. The package is completed by an individually fitted leather sheath, custom-made for the knife, not the other way around.

Available exclusively on pre-order, this is a lifestyle investment piece built to roam, to earn its character over decades, and eventually, to be passed on—a tradition kept alive by the fire and hammer of a true artisan.

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