Blades off the Streets Turned into Stunning Viking Shield for Kent Police
Knives seized by Kent Police through district knife amnesty bins have been transformed into a striking piece of art. The Jon Odell shield, crafted by Broadstairs blacksmith and sculptor Gordon Fox, repurposes dangerous weapons into a powerful symbol of protection and service.
From Deadly Weapons to Defensive Armour
Inspector James Ross approached Gordon to create something positive from the surrendered knives. Gordon, of Fox Forge Art, embraced the challenge. “The one phrase that kept coming back to me was ‘from offensive to defensive’,” he said. The idea clicked – a full-sized Viking shield, perfect for law enforcement warriors.
Gordon safely blunted the knives and reshaped them onto a wooden shield inspired by the Viking ship Hugin of Pegwell Bay. He etched the ship’s dragon figurehead on one blade and featured the map of Thanet on another. Inscribed words like “Protecting” and “Serving” complete the design.
Honouring a Fallen Officer
The shield is named after PC Jon Odell, who died on duty in Margate on 19 December 2000. Gordon gifted the shield to Kent Police to present annually to Thanet officers who show exceptional dedication.
The first to receive the Jon Odell shield is PC Lee Godden. He has excelled in mentoring new officers and boasts an impressive arrest record. Chief Inspector Rhiannan Pepper praised him for stopping a suspicious woman, recovering stolen goods, and safely returning missing teenagers.
“The Jon Odell shield celebrates those who go above and beyond to keep people safe in Thanet,” said Chief Inspector Pepper. “These knives have been taken off the streets and turned into a symbol of the good work carried out by our officers. PC Lee Godden’s dedication is truly inspirational.”
See the Shield in Margate Art Exhibition
The Jon Odell shield will be on public display at the “Five Go Mad In Margate” art exhibition. It will be featured alongside four other artists’ works at the Pie Factory Margate Gallery, Broad Street, from 17 to 23 June.
This extraordinary piece tells a story of sacrifice, transformation, and the police’s fight to keep Thanet safe, turning knives into a shield that guards the community.
