[Duncans CoreForge] Serenade, Cocobolo Wood, Slipjoint

ONLY ORDER IF 18+

The Quintessential knife Collection of traditional gentleman’s backlock knives is a curated masterpiece that celebrates the artistry, heritage, and elegance of finely crafted blades, with a focus on luxurious materials like buffalo horn, Damascus steel, and stag antler.

This collection, comprising of 21 meticulously selected pieces, showcases compact, pocketable lockback knives (3-4 inches closed) designed for both practical everyday carry and refined aesthetic appeal, perfectly complementing formal attire. Each knife is a harmonious blend of artistry and practicality, featuring sleek clip-point and drop-point Damascus blades with mesmerizing wave-like patterns, paired with handles of polished buffalo horn for its deep, glossy warmth or stag antler for its rugged, naturally textured individuality.

Accents like nickel silver or damascus bolsters, intricate filework, and occasional abalone seashell inlays elevate the knives to heirloom status. The collection draws from iconic makers like Case XX, Boker Solingen, and Great Eastern Cutlery, alongside custom artisans such as Tony Bose, reflecting American, European, and bespoke traditions. Each blade in the collection is honed to a razor sharp edge by hand in Duncans Studio and maintained with care to preserve the luster of organic materials and the sharpness of the blades.

This assemblage, is not merely a set of tools but a testament to centuries of cutlery tradition, connecting the owner to the legacy of skilled artisans while embodying sophistication and timeless beauty. Specially curated by Alistair Cromwell.

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 in Great Britain, 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.

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.

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."

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.

We are dedicated to working with Italian, German and American partners, as well as British specialists for optimum quality control. All prototypes and design work is done in England with our workshop.

Duncans offers a sharpening service in store (just ask)
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