BMC has been positioned to be a proud, local UK based business flying the flag for British Made and to do our bit in "re-shoring" / "onshoring" production back to the British Isles.
Let's just say, that in light of the very real and unavoidable pressures, we are now forced to consider alternate options and look further afield to have our blades made. Issues forcing our hand include:
"Professional" British Cutlers are regrettably in very short supply.
Lack of modern production equipment. Some simple manufacturing processes are not possible.
Lack of basic steel choice.
Lack of ability to supply any components other than the steel. Handle materials, Sheaths, Blade Coatings, Packaging all require our team to source externally.
Lack of reliable supporting supply chain (unreliable and expensive heat treatment plants).
Radical price instability with no forewarning. When I say radical, I'm talking a 72.8% upward swing on like for like product.
Add to these supplier limitations, the fact that the UK government forces all payment and media companies to label us as "selling weapons" our ability to grow is severely throttled.
Pricing is of course heavily tied-in to the UK's rocketing steel prices. The politicians need to decide if the UK is going to become a fully service based economy, or continue to have a functioning steel industry with all its myriad downstream industries at all? Remarkably; out of all steel producing nations (ours was the original industry leader way back when) only Venezuela has cut steel production more than the UK.
The current UK blade manufacturing environment is therefore looking a bit bleak, :(
As a Brit who has recently returned to the UK from overseas, it is greatly disappointing to see these challenges stacked against us. But fear not my friends!
Every Cloud has a Silver lining, and ours is about to emerge. For all those waiting on our blades to be released, I'm afraid the wait might be a little longer, but the great news is they will be coming and they will be BETTER than before. (possibly not made in Britain though)!
Ultimately we want fantastic, high quality but attainable products in the hands of our customers. We want them made to our specifications without compromising form, functionality, aesthetics or steel choice.
Quite honestly, it does not matter where the grinding machine is located or the ethnicity of the person sharpening the cutting edge. What DOES matter is you are getting a well designed, lovingly made blade that has the quality to last a lifetime.
**If you are a British based Cutler reading this, please reach out if you think you can prove me wrong and warrant deleting this post. Would love to hear from you and possibly work together.
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