Tinker and Fix x Oscar Duck - Paint Tin Opener

I've got a soft spot for traditional Blacksmithing.

In another life I would have loved to have been a Farrier.  A home forge would be amazing and I've massively enjoyed the two blacksmith courses I've been on.  Maybe one day when I finish up a few other projects they'll be the space to get a forge.

In the meantime I'll make do by watching Forged in Fire and various blacksmiths on Youtube.  Which is where I came across Oscar Duck.  He's a young blacksmith from the North of England and his Youtube videos are cracking.  Have a watch here - I'm really keen on his leaves and other organic forms.

I'm a long way from having OCD, but one thing I hate is seeing people using flathead screwdrivers as levers in the workshop.  Specifically opening paint tins with them.  I picked up a cheap paint tin opener from a decorators merchants years ago.  It hangs on a nail in the workshop so I always know where it is ..... and don't get tempted to reach for a screwdriver, even an old one, to open anything.

I was using the original opener a few weeks ago and found myself thinking "if I had a forge I'd make myself a nicer one of these."  As that wasn't going to happen anytime soon I got in touch with Oscar Duck and asked him if he'd be interested in making a few for us.  He was keen on the idea - a prototype and some testing later and here we have it - The Tinker and Fix Paint Tin Opener.

It's complete overkill.  The twist in the shaft and the tampered end formed into a traditional shepherds crook are trademarks of traditional blacksmithing.  They do add to the grip and feel of item but mostly I just like how they look.

I wanted this paint opener to hang from a nail in the workshop, so each one also comes with a hand forged nail also made by Oscar.

Supplied with an info card so if given as a gift the recipient understands what on earth they've just been given ... and why.

These are all hand forged and as a result are all slightly different in shape and size. The opener is approximately 15cm long and the nail is 5cm.  These will rust if left in a damp environment.  Best to be kept slightly oiled or just used regularly.