Top 10 Hawaiian Knife Makers: The Ultimate Guide

Hawaii has built a reputation for producing some of the most unique custom blades in the U.S. 

From award-winning masters to small workshops, the islands are home to a wide range of talent.

This guide takes a closer look at Hawaiian knife makers you should know, their stories, their specialties, and what makes their work stand out. 

But before diving into the list, let’s first talk about what makes Hawaiian knife makers special in the first place.

Why Hawaii stands out in knife making

Hawaii’s knifemaking tradition is shaped as much by the islands themselves as by the artisans who craft each blade. 

Local makers design knives that must be both beautiful and dependable, tools sharp enough for daily use, yet striking enough to reflect the character of the islands.

Inspiration comes directly from the environment. Damascus patterns often echo the movement of waves, while koa and mango wood handles add warmth and texture unique to Hawaii. 

These materials aren’t chosen for looks alone, dense local hardwoods provide strength and balance, making them ideal for handles that can stand up to constant use.

Heritage plays a role as well. Many Hawaiian knifemakers are descendants of blacksmiths or woodworkers, and their blades show a mix of traditional skill and modern refinement. 

And because island life revolves around fishing, hunting, and open-fire cooking, traditional Hawaiian knives are expected to perform. 

They need sharp, durable edges that resist wear, and comfortable handles that can handle long hours of work.

This focus on both performance and artistry is what makes Hawaiian knives stand out. 

The top 10 Hawaiian knife makers 

Ken Onion

If you ask “who is the famous knife maker in Hawaii?” most knife enthusiasts will probably say Ken Onion. 

He is a living legend in the knife world and arguably Hawaii’s most famous bladesmith.

Based in Kaneohe, Oʻahu, he pioneered innovations like the SpeedSafe® assisted-opening mechanism that revolutionized modern folding knives. 

Onion’s designs, from the iconic Kershaw “Leek” to high-end kitchen cutlery, blend sleek form with flawless function. 

He was the youngest ever inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame, and his work continues to set the standard for innovation and ergonomics in knives. 

Despite global acclaim, Ken remains an island craftsman at heart, many say his knives carry the spirit of Hawaii in their curves and enduring quality. 

Holding a Ken Onion knife means experiencing the ingenuity of a master who marries paradise vibes with cutting-edge design.

Location: Kaneohe, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, USA

Renown: Inventor of the SpeedSafe opening mechanism and one of the most influential knife designers in history. Multiple award-winning designs and a Hall of Fame career.

Work: Creates everything from everyday carry folders to kitchen knives. Collaborates with major brands like Kershaw, CRKT, and Shun.

Legacy / Specialty: Holds dozens of patents, emphasizes ergonomics, functionality, and safety. Fuses Hawaiian creativity with innovative mechanics.

Our take: Where island creativity meets industrial genius, Ken Onion’s knives feel like aloha in your pocket, backed by serious engineering.

Neil Kamimura

Neil Kamimura’s journey from personal tragedy to forging triumph has become modern Hawaiian lore. 

Working out of a rural workshop on the Big Island, Neil turned to bladesmithing as therapy and discovered both a talent and a heritage. 

His great-grandfather was a plantation blacksmith, and that legacy lives on as Neil hand-forges every blade in the old ways, hammering steel with fire and soul. In less than a year of starting, he won the TV show Forged in Fire, stunning viewers and establishing his reputation. 

Today, Kamimura’s blades, often patterned Damascus that reflect Hawaii’s tides and breezes, are in such demand that there’s a multi-year waiting list. 

From massive choppers to delicate chef’s knives, each creation is tested brutally for performance, then polished to highlight the island’s natural beauty. 

His story and his knives both show how heat, hammer, and heart can forge hope anew.

Location: Big Island, Hawaiʻi

Renown: Winner of Forged in Fire and now one of Hawaii’s most recognized custom knifemakers. Known for his forged Damascus blades and celebrity clientele.

Work: Specializes in hand-forged knives ranging from outdoor choppers to fine kitchen knives. Often uses reclaimed steels and pairs them with Hawaiian hardwood handles.

Legacy / Specialty: Carries on his family’s blacksmithing tradition. Damascus blades mimic Hawaii’s natural elements, while his work represents resilience and personal healing.

Our take: Fire, steel, and the human spirit – Neil Kamimura forges knives that embody resilience and Hawaiian pride.

Gregg Salter (Salter Fine Cutlery)

Gregg Salter transforms Hawaii’s natural splendor into heirloom-quality cutlery. 

Originally from England but now crafting on the Big Island, Gregg brings Old World woodworking mastery to his Hawaiian workshop. 

His specialty is luxurious custom knife sets, from gleaming chef’s knives to elegant steak knife collections, often presented in koa wood boxes as striking as the knives themselves. 

Every piece features handles carved from local Hawaiian woods, especially curly koa, known for its mesmerizing grain. 

Gregg partners with Japanese master smiths for blades, blending hand-forged steel from Japan with his Hawaiian wood artistry. 

The result is functional art admired by Michelin-star chefs, luxury resorts, and collectors around the world. 

His knives are meant to be used daily, yet they carry the polish and presence of true heirlooms.

Location: Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaiʻi

Renown: Known globally for luxury knife sets and fine cutlery featuring Hawaiian koa wood. His knives are sought after by chefs and collectors.

Work: Creates custom kitchen and steak knife sets, carving sets, and presentation pieces. Handles are handcrafted from rare Hawaiian woods, paired with Japanese-forged blades.

Legacy / Specialty: Blends Old World woodworking traditions with Hawaiian materials. Focuses on durability, artistry, and heirloom-quality design.

Our take: Artistry with an edge, Salter’s knives are where Old World elegance, island hardwoods, and razor-sharp utility come together in perfect harmony.

Steve Nolte

Steve Nolte proves it’s never too late in life to become a master craftsman. A retired engineer-turned-knifemaker, Steve began creating knives as a hobby and soon became respected for his one-of-a-kind pieces. 

Working primarily on Maui, he creates functional works of art that fuse sharp steel with exotic natural materials. 

His knives often feature mosaic Damascus blades paired with handles made from materials like desert ironwood, fossilized bone, or Hawaii’s black coral. 

Some knives are further embellished with gemstone inlays or detailed engraving collaborations. 

Each piece is unique, designed for comfort in hand but also striking enough for display. 

Collectors value Nolte’s work as “jewelry you can cut with,” combining beauty with performance. 

His journey from retirement hobbyist to artisan knifemaker adds a personal charm to every blade he produces.

Location: Maui, Hawaiʻi

Renown: Known for creating one-of-a-kind custom knives that blend exotic materials with Damascus steel. His knives are featured in high-end galleries on Maui.

Work: Crafts both folding and fixed-blade knives, often using Damascus blades with handles made of rare wood, fossil, or stone.

Legacy / Specialty: Specializes in unique material combinations and artistic design. Each knife is a singular creation, reflecting patience and artistry.Our take: Tropical luxury meets cutting performance, Steve Nolte’s knives feel like holding a piece of Maui magic, carved just for you.

Hiko Ito

Hiko Ito is a Hawaiian knifemaker dedicated to utility, beauty, and simplicity. 

Working from his Big Island workshop, he crafts knives that are razor-sharp, dependable, and elegantly minimal. 

Each design begins with sketches and prototypes, which he rigorously tests until the blade geometry is perfect. 

He specializes in high-performance steels like CPM-20CV, AEB-L, and CPM-154, ensuring his knives have excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. 

Many of his blades feature a convex grind, prized for superior slicing and durability, though difficult to master. 

Handles are typically made from local Hawaiian woods such as curly koa and mango, which he carefully stabilizes and polishes. 

The result is a knife that balances precision performance with the warmth of island craftsmanship.

Location: Big Island, Hawaiʻi

Renown: Known for crafting razor-sharp kitchen knives and practical carry blades. His knives are popular in local markets and online drops.

Work: Produces kitchen knives, outdoor knives, and everyday carry blades using premium steels and locally sourced hardwoods.

Legacy / Specialty: Merges modern steel engineering with Hawaiian materials. Known for focusing on blade geometry and functional simplicity.

Our take: Precision and aloha entwined, Hiko Ito’s knives give you confidence in the kitchen or outdoors, with a touch of Hawaii in every cut.

Sean Leong

Sean Leong represents the future of Hawaii’s knifemaking scene. Born and raised in Honolulu, he started making knives at just 13 years old, fashioning his first blades with simple tools in a garage. 

His dedication quickly caught the attention of legends Ken Onion and Jeff Park, who took him under their wing as an apprentice. 

With their mentorship, Sean developed advanced skills and an eye for detail far beyond his years. 

Today, he runs Sean Leong Bladeworks, producing handcrafted knives from premium materials, ranging from sleek chef’s knives to rugged outdoor blades. 

His youthful energy shows in clean, modern designs, while his precision reflects the training of master craftsmen. 

Sean also offers sharpening and restoration services, proving his commitment to knives as long-term companions. 

At an age when most are just starting careers, Sean has already carved a name as a rising star in Hawaii’s knife community.

Location: Honolulu, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi

Renown: Celebrated as a prodigy in knifemaking and protégé of Ken Onion and Jeff Park. Recognized as a new-generation craftsman with remarkable skill at a young age.

Work: Handcrafts kitchen cutlery, outdoor fixed blades, and folding knives. Uses premium steels and creative handle materials, offering both artistry and function.

Legacy / Specialty: Specializes in precision craftsmanship, balancing innovation with tradition. His adaptability and drive mark him as a torchbearer for the next generation.

Our take: The next generation is here – Sean Leong’s knives blend youthful innovation with the wisdom of his legendary mentors, sharpened under Honolulu’s sun.

Jeff Park

Jeff Park is the quiet perfectionist of Hawaii’s knife scene. Based in Mililani, Oʻahu, he started as an apprentice to Ken Onion and eventually became known for his own sleek, functional designs. 

His breakout moment came with the CRKT “Crossbones,” a slim folding knife that won Imported Knife of the Year at the Blade Show in 2017. 

Jeff’s style emphasizes clean lines, smooth action, and flawless fit and finish. 

His custom and production knives alike are celebrated for their ergonomics and understated elegance. 

Though humble and reserved, Jeff has become a respected figure in the knife world, known for making knives that look simple but perform with precision. 

His work bridges Hawaii’s masters with the next generation, and his designs continue to reach collectors and everyday users alike.

Location: Mililani, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi

Renown: Recognized as Ken Onion’s protégé and the designer of the award-winning CRKT Crossbones.

Work: Specializes in folding knives, both custom and collaborative designs, often using titanium, aluminum, and high-grade steels.

Legacy / Specialty: Master of minimalism and precision. Known for creating slim, highly functional knives that balance beauty with everyday practicality.

Our take: Simplicity perfected, Jeff Park’s knives embody the quiet brilliance of Hawaii’s knifemaking tradition.

Five Shield Forge

Five Shield Forge is the passion project of Gabriel “Gabe” Lennon, a self-taught bladesmith on Oʻahu. 

What began as a backyard hobby has grown into a recognized small forge producing knives that are both functional and artistic. 

Gabe focuses on creating kitchen knives, outdoor blades, and one-off custom pieces, often experimenting with local Hawaiian woods like koa and milo for handles. 

His blades are forged from high-carbon steels and stainless alloys, carefully heat-treated and ground for performance. 

Five Shield Forge is as much about the story as the product, Gabe frequently shares his process with the community, giving each knife a personal connection. 

Customers value not just the finished blade but also the dedication and aloha behind it. 

As a newer name on the Hawaiian knife-making scene, Five Shield Forge represents the next generation of makers bringing fresh energy to the craft.

Location: Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi

Renown: Emerging local bladesmith known for his community-focused approach and unique custom creations.

Work: Produces hand-forged kitchen knives, outdoor blades, and custom commissions using high-quality steels and Hawaiian wood handles.

Legacy / Specialty: Dedicated to making “functional art” – knives that perform well while showcasing Hawaii’s materials and craftsmanship.

Our take: Forging a new Hawaiian legacy, every Five Shield Forge knife feels like a blend of grit, creativity, and aloha.

Doug Fine

Doug Fine is a master of scrimshaw, the centuries-old art of engraving intricate images on bone and ivory. 

Based on Maui, he has spent decades turning everyday items, especially knives, into canvases for delicate hand-carved designs. 

His work often features classic maritime and wildlife scenes, breaching whales, sailing ships, sea turtles, etched into bone handles and then inked for striking contrast. 

Many of his knives are displayed in local galleries such as Whaler’s Locker, where collectors prize them as unique Hawaiian keepsakes. 

Each scrimshaw piece is one of a kind, carrying both the story of the material and the artisan’s steady hand. 

With his long career, Doug has become one of the most respected scrimshaw artists in Hawaii, keeping the tradition alive while adding island influences.

Location: Maui, Hawaiʻi

Renown: Highly regarded for his scrimshaw engravings, often featured on custom knives and sold through Maui galleries.

Work: Engraves bone- and antler-handled knives with detailed wildlife and nautical imagery; also creates scrimshaw art on other accessories.

Legacy / Specialty: Preserves the tradition of scrimshaw with a Hawaiian flair, using ethically sourced materials and original designs.

Our take: Blades meet art in Doug Fine’s work, his scrimshaw turns knives into storytelling treasures with a touch of Maui soul.

LewisKoa Co.

LewisKoa Co. brings the natural beauty of Hawaii’s forests into the palm of your hand. 

Founded in Hilo by Aaron and Tamara Lewis, the company began as a woodworking studio specializing in furniture and décor made from Hawaiian koa. 

Over time, they expanded into knife making, using their expertise in this rare and highly figured wood to create stunning knife handles. 

Each piece showcases the deep, chatoyant patterns of curly koa, paired with quality blades of Damascus or stainless steel. 

Their offerings include folding pocket knives, hunting knives, and even kitchen cutlery, often presented with matching koa boxes or stands. 

What makes LewisKoa unique is their “forest to finish” approach, salvaging fallen koa logs, milling and curing the wood themselves, and transforming it into heirloom-quality handles. 

Every knife tells a story, carrying a piece of Hawaii’s natural spirit.

Location: Hilo, Big Island, Hawaiʻi

Renown: Famous for exquisite koa wood handles and scales, celebrated through galleries and collectors worldwide.

Work: Produces pocket knives, hunting knives, and kitchen cutlery with koa wood handles, often paired with Damascus blades.

Legacy / Specialty: Specialists in koa artistry, preserving and showcasing Hawaii’s most prized hardwood through functional knives.

Our take: Nature’s elegance in the palm of your hand, LewisKoa knives are as much about heritage as they are about cutting performance.

How to choose a Hawaiian knife maker

Finding the right Hawaiian knife maker can feel overwhelming, especially with so many talented artisans across the islands.

From the type of knife you need to pricing, availability, and craftsmanship, here are a few key considerations that can guide you toward the right decision.

Match the knife to your needs

Hawaiian knifemakers vary widely in what they produce. Some focus on kitchen cutlery, chef’s knives, steak sets, and carving knives with precision edges and koa handles. 

Others specialize in outdoor or tactical blades, built for rugged use. Before choosing, think about whether you want a daily cooking tool, a hunting knife, or a collector’s piece.

Consider pricing and availability

Custom Hawaiian knives are an investment. Simpler designs may start at a few hundred dollars, while highly detailed Damascus blades or full sets can reach several thousand. 

Availability also differs: famous makers like Neil Kamimura often have multi-year waitlists, while smaller local artisans may sell directly at markets or online with shorter lead times. 

If exclusivity is important, expect to pay more and wait longer.

Look at materials and craftsmanship

The best makers use stabilized koa or other dense hardwoods, paired with premium steels and professional heat treatment. 

These details affect not just appearance but durability and edge retention. Handle comfort and overall balance are also key signs of quality.

Think about the buying experience

Some artisans accept commissions and work closely with clients to customize every detail. 

Others release small batches that sell out quickly. Decide whether you prefer a collaborative process or are happy to purchase from limited runs.

Look for private label and OEM options

Custom knives are ideal for collectors, chefs, or enthusiasts who want a one-of-a-kind blade. 

But if your goal is to launch a knife brand or scale production, private label and OEM manufacturing may be a better fit. 

With OEM, you work with a manufacturer who produces knives to your design or specifications, giving you professional results without needing your own workshop. 

Private label allows you to brand high-quality existing designs and sell them under your name. 

Both models are used by successful knife brands worldwide and can complement the inspiration you draw from Hawaiian artisans.

How LeeKnives can help

Hawaii is home to extraordinary custom knifemakers, but for businesses looking to scale, handmade blades can only take you so far. 

That’s where LeeKnives comes in. We help brands, retailers, and entrepreneurs turn their ideas into full knife lines that are efficient, affordable, and built for growth.

Our factory in China produces knives to the same high standards trusted by top-tier makers, while our U.S.-based warehouse streamlines logistics. 

That means you can store inventory closer to your customers, cut down on shipping times, and avoid international customs delays.

Whether you’re starting a new knife brand or expanding an existing one, we’ll work with you on materials, pricing, packaging, and production planning.

So if you’re inspired by Hawaii’s custom knife artistry but need a partner to scale your own knife line, LeeKnives can help. 

Contact us to learn how our OEM services and U.S.-based logistics can turn inspiration into a lasting brand.