Description
Sordid Objects of Decadence and Domesticity
15N20 & CS70 damascus Steel with BS1407 blades Glove leather & micarta sheath 250mm 138g
Damascus Steel by Mick Maxen
Forged by Joshua Burrell
Designed, fettled & finished by Grace Horne
With social and economic upheaval during the Victorian age in Britain, an increasing number of gentlewomen were required to seek work. Their upbringing meant that their choices of occupation were limited; becoming a governess was often considered desirable and, as sewing was taught to all girls, becoming a seamstress or milliner was also popular. However, census data revealed that there was a disproportionately large number of women claiming their profession as seamstresses while actually plying their trade around dubious urban areas late at night. As the carrying of weapons was illegal but carrying ‘tools of the trade’ was acceptable, an urban myth developed regarding prostitutes carrying scissor-daggers. However there is little evidence of these being popular or even existing during this period.
‘Twisted Seamstress’ is my version of a pair of scissors that a fallen gentlewoman might carry, whilst frequenting disreputable parts of town late at night…
