Em Beggs is a Brighton-based emerging metalworker and founder of Beggs Forgeworks, creating bespoke knives and cutlery that fuses traditional Japanese craft with materials that are routed in place. With a background in hospitality and training in Sakai, Japan, Em’s work reimagines discarded materials from historic sites — transforming them into heirloom-quality knives that honour both past and present.
QEST funding will support a programme of international mentorships to deepen Em’s skills in contemporary bladesmithing. Training includes a Tamahagane smelting course with Hayashi Nobuya in Japan, mentorship with Tobias Hangler at Messerschmiede Hangler in Austria — whose practice has a focus on greener forging — and visits to Polish makers Karol Karyś, Martin Pham and Sonia Simone.
Em’s work, made using low-carbon emission techniques including forge welding with kilns, is designed to last generations. A member of The Sussex Guild, a Cutlers’ Award recipient, and a mentor with the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths, she aims to host workshops and events to share modern bladesmithing and sustainable making with the next generation — championing craft that values durability, provenance and purpose.
