Inspired at a young age by his mother’s jewelry making in the south of England, Alex Pole’s love of metalwork runs deep. Aspiring to follow in mom’s footsteps, Alex attended art school to study jewelry making in the early 1990’s before transitioning into architectural metalwork, followed by a period of “travel, training, exploration, and experimentation,” as Alex describes this vital and enlightening period. Then, in 2006 upon his return to the UK Alex established Alex Pole Ironwork in South Somerset, and the stage was set. In 2013, Alex’s visit to Sweden and time spent training at Gränsfors Bruk, an axe maker with over 100 years of history, ignited yet another, new metallic flame and he was soon crafting axes, knives, and culinary wares for everyday use.

Today, Alex and his small team utilize only traditional techniques, employing simple, clean, high-quality materials, often locally sourced from skilled makers, and with a focus on sustainability. As lead blacksmith and designer, Alex both spearheads the brand’s development and prototyping processes, and partners with top chefs to ensure his tools adhere to their standards, a practice that has led not only to new designs, but to his first book as well: The Forge Kitchen. The book delivers recipes and beautiful photos of meals cooked using Alex Pole Blacksmith tools. Alex has since authored a second book entitled “Blacksmith: Apprentice to Master” that opens an intimate window into the blacksmith’s lifestyle as well as history and tales from the craft. When he is not swinging the hammer or preparing a meal, Alex can often be found teaching courses from his studio. His ironwork combines a  rustic appeal with uncompromising utility; features  to be sought after in any handmade cooking tool.