How does your background as a sculptor impact your work?
As a sculptor I look to embellish every piece. Even though my knives have a use, they are all created individually by hand as artworks. They are functional sculptures and I feel just as passionate about them as I did when I was creating big metal sculptures.
Do you turn to history for inspiration?
Yes, I study all types of knives used in the last 2,000 years. I also look forward. Each knife must serve the present and be passed to future generations as an object with a history. To mark the opening of my workshop I created a damascus knife for my daughter, who is seven – it is waiting for her.
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What makes an excellent knife?
I always use the best steel to create the best working blade. I take special care over the balance, ergonomics and shape of the blade, continuously pushing my skills in forging, hammering, heat treating, grinding, welding wood and stone carving.
What would you advise a young person interested in knife making?
Most knowledge comes from research and experimentation. You must be passionate, don’t quit after your first mistakes, since you will make mistakes. Do a lot of research, ask people with years of experience, question, observe, experiment and work, work, work.