The Single Bolster Penknife is traditionally hand made in England, with scales made from Japanese birch wood roofing shingles hand dyed with indigo by the dyer of Achilles’ Heel clothing. The Sheffield carbon steel blade is a traditional farmer’s pocket knife shape. The scales are not sealed or waxed so they will shed indigo, darken, and burnish with use, becoming more and more personal just like a pair of jeans.

The riveted brass skeleton holds a steel back spring with a firm action to keep the knife securely open or closed, and the back of the blade sits proud of the handle when folded, like a farmer’s knife, making it easy to open. A deep nickel bolster is attached at the blade end, and is engraved with the Plautus face. The blade has a flat cutting edge, making it easier to sharpen. It is delivered factory-sharpened, but the high carbon steel takes and keeps an edge particularly well with whetstone sharpening.

The penknife blade is 2.5” long and is not lockable, making it legal to carry in the UK. By placing an order you confirm that you are aged 18 or over,