About Wilder Ways…

Francis Lawrence

From a young age I have had a very strong connection with the natural world. I took any chance to spend time out in the woods and fields around where I grew up. So it was natural how that love of nature and the outdoors should take me down the path of bushcraft, wilderness living skills and the many other natural crafts and skills that go hand in hand with those interests. As well as of course igniting my passion for the number one tool, the knife!

As I have got older I have spent a lot of time extending my skills and knowledge, learning directly from experts in various fields, as well as the good old getting out there and doing it! I successfully completed the Level 4 Bushcraft, Survival and Wilderness Living Skills Instructor and Mentor Qualification with the Survival School back in 2022 and enjoy teaching these skills on a regular basis.

I grew up in Gloucestershire, moved to Wales when I was thirteen, and then to Scotland when I was 16 in search of the sort of wilderness that would let my skills and love of nature develop. Years later I am back in Gloucestershire enjoying the stunning Cotswold countryside between making knives and teaching bushcraft and wilderness living skills.

My knife making journey started when I was about eight years old where I started rehandling stick tang knives and dabbling in traditional forging techniques. Throughout my teens I experimented with all sorts of forging, casting and other metal working techniques alongside my many other interests. Now here we are in 2023 and it has been three years that I have been making knives full time as my main occupation.

I will finish this about me section with one of my favourite quotes, as follows… “The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor”. Wise words from VINCE LOMBARDI