SAM

Sam Gleeson makes one of a kind culinary knives from his workshop in West Clare. He finds treasures in old and found materials, combining them with new materials to create a unique take on traditional knifemaking.  From storm damaged trees and high carbon steels to traditional blacksmith techniques, Sam is exploring it all.

I first met Sam in Mill Street Studios, Dublin 8 around 2011.  Sam needed some work trousers mended and I needed some shelves for my studio.  We both loved to barter, soon his pants were reinforced with patches, zig zag stitched back together and I had super strong shelves to hold boxes of fabric and books.  We really had one of the best spaces in Dublin to connect, collaborate and inspire one another.  Now we are dotted all over the country having spent the last 10 years honing our skills and specialising.

Sam is a master craftsman and it’s no surprise to see his knife work winning the Future Makers Award.  A jack of many trades from furniture making and restaurant fit outs to surfer and chef.  Making knives combines his love of wood, metal and food with his high end craftmanship.

To find out more about Sam’s handiwork checkout his website – This is What I Do.