I earned the title of Master Bladesmith, usually shortened to Master Smith, in 2019, joining a short list of top rated makers. Though the chef knife is my most popular knife, as a Master Bladesmith I am equipped with the skills to tackle just about any project. The American Bladesmith Society has only awarded the. . . Read More
If you are paying any attention to the world of handmade knives, you will know that the best knife is a damascus knife. Be it a chef knife or a hunter, a letter opener, or a longsword, damascus knives are at the top of the heap. As a custom knife maker, I make little else,. . . Read More
More than two million years ago, our early ancestors began using rocks as tools. These were initially simple and unrefined, mainly used for blunt impact work, but over the millennia they evolved into much more specific and elegant forms, including sharp cutting tools. Stone remained the pinnacle of material technology all the way up until. . . Read More
I will give you an unhelpful hint: not me. Here are who I think make the world’s top chef’s knives: Bob Kramer Nick Rossi Bob Kramer The world’s top chef knife maker in the world is, without a doubt, Bob Kramer. His pricing starts at $1000 per inch, and his wait list was 15. . . Read More
When I exhibit my work at shows, there is a subset of people who approach to defend the virtue of “true” damascus steel. They contend that the modern version of it is a different animal, and it should in fact be called “pattern welded steel” instead. It is difficult to say precisely where this idea. . . Read More
Have you ever walked down the baking aisle in a supermarket? Generally, somewhere in between the flours, the spices, and the cake and brownie mixes, you will find a few shelves full of baking trays and a rack with a selection of kitchen tools and gadgets. Somewhere on that rack, usually somewhere higher up, will. . . Read More
What are thoughts to consider when buying chef’s knives? It is probably not a question most people have spent much time thinking about, but there is plenty to sink your teeth into. Imagine yourself cooking professionally, in the kitchen of a high-end restaurant. You get to work at 11:00am each morning. You spend the. . . Read More
Kitchen knives made of damascus are enjoying a surge in popularity right now. With the perennial popularity of cooking shows–I can remember my way back to Julia Child reruns when I was a kid–and the burgeoning universe of food blogs and fine dining restaurants, it was only a matter of time before the culinary world. . . Read More
A high quality carbon steel chef knife is a beautiful thing and what is needed to cook the best of meals. I won’t bore you with the merits of high carbon steel again; suffice it to say, it’s good stuff. It’s better stuff than what you’re used to if, like most people, you’ve lived your. . . Read More
Have a look at Zack’s upcoming classes here. There are also a number of schools and individual bladesmiths offering classes. The American Bladesmiths Society is a good resource. If you are in the northeastern United States, we highly recommend the New England School of Metalwork. Zack has been involved with both the ABS and NESM. . . Read More