Crafting the Past into the Present: A Blacksmith's Journey

My name's Ru Pooler, I work in Charlestown Harbour, Cornwall and I’m a Bladesmith.  

The pure part of blacksmithing is ancient so you have to make it work in the 21st century. In order to do that I have to use modern equipment, mixing ancient and modern techniques. If you see a rusting pile of tools, to most people that's rubbish, but to me it's gold. Creation comes from the concept. I try to get old rusty tools and give them a new life. 

You know, conceptualizing the knife, talking with the customer about what they want. But if there's something I'm just creating myself then I take a lot of inspiration from nature. And the other thing that really motivates me is boredom. 

If I'm just sick of doing the same thing over and over, I want to change something and maybe I'll change the pattern in the Damascus or I’ll change the shape of the blade. Knives are supposed to be tools. 

Essentially, they're tools to be used but they can also be beautiful.  

I would say one of the most essential pieces of &SONS is the boots because there’s nothing worse than a piece of steel flying off and landing on your foot. You need protection.