[Duncans] Hitachi SKD-11 Japan, Gyuto, Ironwood, Limited Edition

Known professionally as Alistair Cromwell, he is a passionate and driven designer with a lifelong connection to craftsmanship. Under the brand Cromwell Designs, Alistair has carved a niche for creating high-quality, durable products, ranging from guns and knives to innovative tools and gear.

Growing up around his family’s iconic shop, Duncan’s, Alistair was immersed in the world of craftsmanship from a young age. "I grew up in the shop," he recalls. "Coming in and seeing my dad, helping with repairs and admiring his knowledge, learning along the way—I loved it. It's in my blood." This foundation fueled his passion for design, leading him to officially begin his journey into product design in 2014.

Alistair’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: buy quality, buy once. This ethos is evident in every Cromwell Designs product. From the drawing board to the final creation, Alistair and his team maintain a meticulous, no-corners-cut approach. Each product is designed in-house and undergoes rigorous testing to meet their exacting standards.

After a trip to Italy to visit the teams and directors of Fox, lionSTEEL, Viper, MKM and Mercury Knives, Alistair has gained invaluable insight and knowledge in the knife and tool industry. "I have met Bruno Gracuit, a highly regarded knife maker and member of the Corporazione Italiana Coltellinai (Italian Knifemakers Guild) since 2001- this man is a wealth of knowledge and a master with his hands. He invited me into his home & showed me his workshop along with his creations. Some of his custom tools fetch upwards of €5000 (Approx £4200). I love to integrate my knowledge gained from this experience while adding a trace of Italian flair to my designs."

The latest releases from Duncan's, powered by Cromwell Designs, embody this commitment to excellence. Customers can rest assured that when they purchase a Cromwell product, they’re investing in something built to last—a perfect balance of function, durability, and innovation.

Alistair Cromwell doesn’t just create tools; he creates experiences. Whether it’s a precision-engineered knife or a tool designed for extreme conditions and lifelong usage, every product carries the weight of his expertise, heritage, and relentless dedication to quality.

Recommendations & Maintenance:

 High Quality Knives should never be washed in a dishwasher. To maintain sharpness, hand wash and dry the knife immediately after use. 
• Do not use Japanese knives to cut hard or frozen foods. The blade may be broken or part of the blade may break off.
• Do not use the knife as a crowbar and avoid bending it.
• Protect the knife and its blade from falling or impact.
• If you know you will not need the knives for a long time, it is advisable to coat them with oil & store them in a cool, dry place.
• Keep the knives in a safe place and keep them away from children!

 WARNING: 

This Knife is incredibly sharp. Please take care when using.
This is not your typical Kitchen Knife. It will cut through most vegetables and other foods with ease. Pushing force is NOT required.