Becoming a Master Cutler

[lightningwaves]

Hey guys! How does one become a Master Cutler? Is there a true title called Master Cutler?

Does one have to go to School for a degree?

Thanks!

 

[Danke42]

Seems to be a ceremonial title. Probably the best way to start is to be English Nobility and then you'll have the right network to get you there.

 

[lightningwaves]

Seems to be a ceremonial title. Probably the best way to start is to be English Nobility and then you'll have the right network to get you there.

So it’s not really anything authentic? Just a made up title?

 

[Danke42]

So it’s not really anything authentic? Just a made up title?

Pretty much like all "titles".

This might be more what you're after.

http://www.americanbladesmith.com/uploads/file/Testing/MS Test FINAL 4-24-2010.pdf

 

[lightningwaves]

Thanks! So it looks as if you have to actually take a test and perform certain skills in order to receive documentation. Otherwise anyone who calls themself a Master is just blowing smoke?

 

[3fifty7]

Are you referring to Master Cutler or Master Bladesmith ?

 

[lightningwaves]

I’m trying to find out if there is such a thing as a “Master Cutler.” I’ve seen people call themselves this and I’m wonder if this is a true title or is someone just making up that out of thin air?

 

[tltt]

The apprentice period in Sheffield was something like 7 years before one was considered fit for the trade. That was long ago, and hours and output was much greater, so it would probably close to something like 10 years of work in this modern world.
I'm sure the Japanese and others have similar standards.

The closest in the States is probably the "Smith" ratings as mentioned by Danke. I haven't seen them listed, but the gap between starting, and Mastersmith probably is probably 10-15 years work for most. There is even talk sometimes of perhaps adding a "Grandmaster" level, but that hasn't happened.

 

[lightningwaves]

Sounds like you have to actually take tests and such- you can’t just call yourself a Master just because you’ve put in the time.

 

[tltt]

Thanks! So it looks as if you have to actually take a test and perform certain skills in order to receive documentation. Otherwise anyone who calls themself a Master is just blowing smoke?

Depends. On the Smith side, you could go by the ABS rankings, but then what about the Stock removal guys? There is no rating system for them, but I doubt anyone wouldn't call Horn, Lake, Warenski, Henry, etc... masters of the craft. And then with the Smith rankings, what about the good smiths that never cared to take the ABS tests or never made the next jumps? Or the smiths that attained rank decades ago when testing was more lax?

There isn't really isn't a professional standard across the board, and no compulsory continuing education after a certain point.

I'd argue that this more of a "know it when you see it" type industry when it comes to judging Masters, etc.....

 

[madcap_magician]

Sounds like you have to actually take tests and such- you can’t just call yourself a Master just because you’ve put in the time.

Absolutely you can. I can call myself a master knifemaker or whatever I like. But to the best of my knowledge, no, there is no accrediting institution that gives a title called "Master Cutler."

The American Bladesmith Society does have a standardized test procedure for journeyman and master smith, which is a community-recognized stamp denoting demonstrated skill in knifemaking by forging. That being said, not everyone who is skilled at the level of an ABS master smith has bothered or cares about being in the ABS list of journeymen or master smiths, nor does the ABS have a stamp for knifemakers who don't forge. Forging is definitely harder than stock removal, but if you only make stainless stock removal folding knives, an ABS master smith stamp is kind of a chrome-plated football bat for you, because the master smith test is only tangentially related to your area of knifemaking.

 

[Danke42]

I’m trying to find out if there is such a thing as a “Master Cutler.” I’ve seen people call themselves this and I’m wonder if this is a true title or is someone just making up that out of thin air?

The Master Cutler is the head of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire established in 1624. Their role is to act as an ambassador of industry in Sheffield, England.


Why do you ask? Is someone named Ken Cooke coming over for dinner?

The post is a singular ceremonial election in the UK. Details are easily found on line.

Like that Scottish dude said "There can only be one".

 

[Pilsner]

OP. I am English and live in London. We have various Guild Halls, from the time of guilds. I spent a couple of decades as a gigging musician, and as well as doing the jazz circuit, I played at a lot of functions. It paid the mortgage. There is a Poulterers Guild, and many others. I am sure you can join the dots. They have ceremonies and dinners, possibly aprons. They also have masters. I dunno. I’m the Groucho type character who refuses to join any club that would have me as a member.