Leszek Sikon

Kingdom Forge

Knife maker

©Leszek Sikon

©Sam Walton

Age-old skills to forge modern objects

Leszek is passionate about history and fantasy literature
He is a master in the Damascus pattern welding technique
He creates superb knifes for professionals

We should thank burn-out syndrome, that Leszek Sikon is today dedicated full-time to the creation of superb knifes and other tools in the Kingdom Forge. After seven years as a manager in the retail industry, Leszek had had enough. Born in Poland and having grown up on a farm, he moved to the UK. He had already made a hobby of repairing and creating tools with his hands, so leaving his desk job and starting a blacksmithing course at the Hereford College of Arts was a return to his roots and to his innate talent. Passionate about history and fantasy literature, but also wisely conscious about the market opportunities, Leszek has mastered contemporary and ancient techniques such as Damascus pattern welding which he applies to create functional and beautiful knifes seducing collectors and – most important – professionals.

Interview

©Sam Walton

©Sam Walton

Is craftsmanship part of your family heritage?: No, but I was born in Poland and grew up on a farm. At that time it was essential to be able to craft everything that you needed, including working tools. In many ways, I’ve been training my manual skills for years even before becoming an artisan.
How did you become a blacksmith?: I needed a break from the retail world, and looking for a way out I almost stumbled on the four-year blacksmithing course that was being offered at the local art college. It turned out to be great. I started working at the Kingdom Forge immediately after completing my studies.
How can you express your creativity in your craft?: In my craft there are constraints depending on the function of the knife, but there is still a lot of room for improvement – in every aspect of creation. The Damascus pattern welding technique allows me to unveil incredible potential in terms of decoration.
What is your source of inspiration?: I love history and fantasy literature, I read a lot of books and listen to podcasts while working. Tolkien is still in my top ten! But I am also very inspired looking at the work of other Master blacksmiths, who are able to handcraft really amazing creations.

Leszek Sikon is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2015 and he started teaching in 2019