Pat Mulcahy - Handmade Knives West Cork, Ireland

Pat Mulcahy, award winning knife-maker and proprietor of Knifecraft, Bantry, West Cork is one of the few professional cutlers plying the trade in Ireland today. Until recently Pat has worked exclusively on specially commissioned pieces for private clients, friends and family.

In a new departure, Pat launched what he describes as an 'elegant yet supremely functional' collection designed for everyday domestic and outdoor use called Scian.

Pat's aim with Scian (the Irish word for knife) is to bridge the gap he's spotted between the very high-end bespoke knife and the mass produced 'short-life-knife' we all own by the drawer-full !

In general, and with Scian in particular, Pat hopes to encourage people to buy a 'really good quality' knife or knives for 'the long-term' and to revitalise the ancient tradition of giving knives as gifts. He's confident that 'Knifecraft' owners will come to love their knives as much as he does!

Since his initial period of training Pat, also a keen musician, has spent some time away from the craft travelling, playing music and in 2001 graduated as a mature student from UCC with an Arts degree. He then returned to the business in earnest, establishing Knifecraft in a purpose built workshop adjacent to his home. He quickly established a reputation for distinctive, hand-made knives aimed at the high-end craft and giftware buyer but has been constantly appraising the market and experimenting with materials, designs and techniques along the way

In 2007 Pat submitted a contemporary experimental piece entitled 'Hanging Carving Set' (photo to the right & details on products page) to the prestigious RDS National Crafts Competition. The avant-garde design and high quality of the workmanship wowed the judges and it received 1st prize in the metalwork section. It was also purchased by the RDS Acquisitions Committee and added to the permanent collection.

Later that year, Pat was accepted into the West Cork Craft and Design Guild- a network of the regions most accomplished craft-workers dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. The group combines its skill, knowledge and resources to promote their work through exhibitions and workshops.

In Medieval times knife-makers and cutlers were chief among high-ranking tradesmen - a position Pat Mulcahy is striving to re-establish.