Why did you choose this craft?
I have always had a great passion for cooking and for knives in particular. As a child, I wanted to become a chef and already assembled a large collection of pocket knives. I still cook every day, but I no longer collect knives, I now make and sell them.
When and how did you start making knives?
I already made my first knives 22 years ago, as a student, during tool making classes. But I started creating knives in a professional way about 6 years ago. It was my best friend who rekindled the flame as it were, by showing me certain YouTube videos.
©iPKnives
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?
I create the oldest tool known to mankind, so that’s quite some tradition. Everything else is innovation. I really enjoy experimenting with all kinds of materials: steel, wood, plastics, leather and so on.
Could your craft be considered in danger?
No, quite the opposite, making knives as a hobby has never been so popular. I run workshops for amateur knife makers and have an apprentice. Still, it is a big challenge to make it your profession.