In the world of culinary tools, a custom chef knife isn’t just a utensil—it’s a masterpiece tailored to your hand, your cutting style, and your passion for cooking. Mass-produced knives often compromise on fit, durability, or sharpness, but American custom knife makers? They blend time-honored blacksmithing with modern innovation to create blades that perform as beautifully as they look.
Whether you’re a Michelin-star chef seeking peak performance or a home cook investing in a lifelong tool, or investors who want to explore your potential partners, these artisans represent the best of U.S.-crafted custom chef knives. Below, we break down 15 top American custom chef knife makers, their unique craftsmanship, and how to explore their work.
| Name | Location |
| Bob Kramer | Bellingham, Washington |
| ShiHan Fine Knives | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
| Andy Gladish (Element Fe) | Guemes Island, Washington |
| Murray Carter | Hillsboro, Oregon |
| Alex Bazes | Upstate, New York |
| Salem Straub (Promethean Knives) | Tonasket, Washington |
| Emiliano Carrillo | Austin, Texas |
| PigIronForge (Josh Smith) | Asheville, North Carolina |
| David Lisch | Yelm, Washington |
| Fire Horse Forge (David Tuthill) | Illinois |
| Nick Anger (Eating Tools) | Burlington, Vermont |
| Nick Rossi | Denver, Colorado |
| Halcyon Forge (Ryan Garlitos) | hwy t, Sedalia |
| Dan Bidinger (Bidinger Knives) | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Bloodroot Blades (Amanda Martens) | Athens, Georgia |
15 Best Custom Chef Knife Makers
1. Bob kramer-Legacy for Pro Chefs
Bob Kramer is widely regarded as the “widely considered the greatest American knifesmith working today”. Some consider his kitchen knives to be “the best in the world“. His knives are especially known for their fine Damascus steel patterns and exotic wood handles and “heirloom quality” polishing and finishing.
| Specialty | High-end hand-forged kitchen knives (known for Damascus steel, exotic wood handles) |
| Achievements | ABS Master Bladesmith (1997); American Craft Council Rare Craft Fellow (2015); blades exhibited at Bellevue Arts Museum |
| Price | Handmade knives sold via auction (2015: $30k/knife; Anthony Bourdain’s custom knife: $231,250 in 2019) |
| Ideal For | Pro chefs, collectors seeking top-tier, heirloom kitchen blades |
2. ShiHan Fine Knives
ShiHan Fine Knives: Trained by Tom Joyce (12) and Japan’s Hiroshi Ashi, Shihan specializes in Japanese kitchen knives. His Kurouchi/Sanmai blades, forged with 52100 steel (HRC 61-62), blend sharpness, toughness, and traditional craftsmanship. Pausing stock to innovate, he’s JKI’s only Western maker.
| Specialty | Japanese-style kitchen knives (classic Kurouchi, Sanmai blades); uses pine charcoal forge + Japanese belt hammer/grinding stones |
| Achievements | Studied with artist blacksmith Tom Joyce + Japanese master Hiroshi Ashi (2-year apprenticeship in Sakai, Japan); founded shop in Santa Fe (2009), began knifemaking (2012) |
| Price | No public pricing; currently not maintaining inventory (focus on experimentation) |
| Ideal For | Enthusiasts of Japanese-style kitchen knives, those seeking craft rooted in traditional Japanese bladesmithing techniques |
3. Andy Gladish (Element Fe)-“Functional art”
Andy Gladish’s Element Fe is all about “functional art”—blades that are as tough as they are visually striking. A former engineer, Gladish brings technical precision to every forging, focusing on blades that handle daily wear and tear without losing their edge.
| Specialty | Handmade everyday cooking knives (focus on balance, ergonomics, performance); also has experience with Damascus steel blades |
| Achievements | Washington State (Guemes Island)-based studio; learned blacksmithing from Colonial Williamsburg smiths + Ray Rantanen (retired NASA engineer); collaborates with top Northwest chefs to refine knife design |
| Price | Knives positioned as affordable (vs. high-priced Damascus display blades); uses sustainably sourced/upcycled materials (local Bellingham steel, chair maker wood) |
| Ideal For | Home cooks, professional chefs (Northwest region included) seeking practical, handmade, affordable everyday cooking knives |
4. Murray Carter
Murray Carter is a revered Japanese-American custom knife maker (and author of The Custom Knife Book) whose brand, Carter Cutlery, specializes in blending traditional Japanese forging techniques with American practicality—creating high-performance chef knives that honor heritage while meeting modern culinary needs. His work is celebrated for marrying razor-sharp precision with long-lasting durability:
| ecialty | Hand – forged Japanese – style kitchen knives; uses traditional Japanese techniques, including pine charcoal forge and annealing in rice straw ashes |
| Achievements | 17th generation Yoshimoto bladesmith; ABS Master Bladesmith; worked in Japan for 18 years; forged over 31,000 knives; has written books on knifemaking and knife business; teaches on knifemaking and sharpening |
| Price | Varies by model, e.g., some start from around $300 – $400, while others like the Muteki Zen Chef’s Knife can be $1,000+; prices available on the official website for different knife models |
| Ideal For | Professional chefs, cooking enthusiasts, and collectors who value traditional Japanese – style blades with high cutting performance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening |
5. Alex Bazes – Japanese Style
Alex Bazes is a precision-focused maker who caters to professional chefs and serious home cooks. His custom chef knives are designed for speed and control—key for busy kitchens.
| Specialty | Hand-forged Japanese-style fine kitchen cutlery (focus on performance + aesthetics) |
| Achievements | One-man workshop (upstate NY-based); spent a decade living and training in Japan; crafts unique, harmony-focused blades |
| Price | Available pieces listed in online shop (no specific price range provided); follow Instagram (@bazesblades) for latest work |
| Ideal For | Home cooks, culinary enthusiasts seeking Japanese-style handcrafted kitchen knives that blend functionality and aesthetic harmony |
6. Salem Straub (Promethean Knives)
Salem Straub’s Promethean Knives is a favorite among chefs who crave innovation. His blades blend bold design with practicality, often featuring unique shapes that enhance cutting efficiency.
| Specialty | Hand-forged cutlery (folding knives, kitchen cutlery) + longer bladed weapons (swords); blends personal cooking experience and sword arts practice |
| Achievements | Washington (Tonasket, Okanogan County)-based; forging since 2003; “Forged in Fire” S2 E2 Khopesh Champion; multiple OKCA Show wins (2017/2019 Best in Show, Best Damascus Knife); 2019 Damasteel Invitational Best Integral Knife |
| Price | Currently not accepting orders; available work listed in online Store (no specific price range provided) |
| Ideal For | Kitchen enthusiasts, sword arts practitioners, knife collectors seeking hand-forged, award-winning blades |
7. Emiliano Carrillo-Modern Bladesmith Working in Ancient Traditions
Emiliano Carrillo brings a global perspective to American custom knife making, drawing inspiration from his Latin American roots and Japanese forging techniques.
| Specialty | Hand-forged blades, focusing on early Iron Age traditional styles; occasionally crafts later European or Japanese-style blades |
| Achievements | Lifelong fascination with swords; emphasizes “bone-knowing” of metallurgy (deep understanding of material/process); prioritizes harmony of form, function, weight, and mass distribution in blades |
| Price | No public pricing provided; details on purchasing/availability to be confirmed via accessible official channels |
| Ideal For | Enthusiasts of historical blades (early Iron Age/European/Japanese styles), sword collectors, or those valuing traditional forging craftsmanship and symbolic, functional blade design |
8. Josh Smith (PigIronForge)
PigIronForge, is an Illinois-based workshop led by a bladesmith specializing in handcrafted kitchen cutlery, with a focus on unique, artisanal knives rooted in professional culinary experience.
| Specialty | Handmade one-of-a-kind kitchen cutlery (crafted in home shop, focuses on personal artistic expression) |
| Achievements | Illinois-based bladesmith; over a decade of professional chef experience (informs knife performance design) |
| Price | No public pricing provided; availability/inquiry details not specified (shop currently shows “Closed” for the day) |
| Ideal For | Home cooks, culinary enthusiasts seeking unique, handcrafted kitchen cutlery designed with chef expertise |
9. David Lisch
David Lisch is a seasoned metalworker, blacksmith, knifemaker, and artist with a lifelong focus on metal craftsmanship—specializing in unique Damascus steel knives that blend functionality and art.
| Specialty | Handcrafted Damascus knives (each billet/knife one-of-a-kind, blends functionality as tools and uniqueness as art); works across metal fabrication, blacksmithing |
| Achievements | Washington (Yelm)-based; lifelong metalworking experience; runs a school with wife Andrea to teach blacksmith techniques and knifemaking; offers specialty classes on forging basics/knifemaking |
| Price | No public pricing provided; class/knife inquiries via email or Instagram (@davidlisch) |
| Ideal For | Knife collectors (seeking unique Damascus art knives), metalworking/knifemaking learners (wanting to take classes), enthusiasts of functional art blades |
10. David Tuthill
Fire Horse Forge, led by bladesmith and blacksmith David Tuthill, is a Seattle (Ballard neighborhood)-based workshop with over 30 years of professional experience—specializing in hand-forged blades (including mono-steel and Damascus knives), plus architectural commissions, furniture, sculpture, and jewelry. Its work blends traditional craftsmanship with functional artistry.
| Specialty | Hand-forged blades (Damascus/chef’s/field knives) + architectural metalwork |
| Achievements | 30+ years forging experience; revives 2,000-year-old Damascus process; runs bladesmithing classes |
| Price | Knife pricing unlisted (inquiries via studio); classes by reservation (first-come, first-serve) |
| Ideal For | Aspiring bladesmiths, cooks/chefs, metalwork collectors |
11. Nick Anger (Eating Tools)
Nick Anger, based in Vermont, is all about “tools for eating”—and his custom chef knives are designed to make cooking feel intuitive. renowned for crafting high-performance, precision-forged chef knives—specializing in custom Damascus steel designs and elegant, functional kitchen blades.
| Specialty | Precision-forged kitchen knives (chef’s/santoku/vegetable cleavers) |
| Achievements | Custom Damascus craft (unique steel materials); high-demand designs (many sold out) |
| Price | $2,250–$6,000 per knife (many models sold out) |
| Ideal For | Pro chefs, serious home cooks, premium blade collectors |
12. Nick Rossi
Nick Rossi brings a modern, minimalist aesthetic to custom knife making—without sacrificing performance. Based in the U.S., his work stands out for its focus on ergonomics and versatility, making his knives accessible to both pros and home cooks.
| Specialty | Handcrafted knives (focus on metallurgy + functional design) |
| Achievements | Master Journeyman Bladesmith; leads nationwide knifemaking workshops |
| Price | Knife pricing unlisted (inquiries via website); workshop fees unlisted |
| Ideal For | Knife buyers, knifemaking learners |
13. Halcyon Forge
Halcyon Forge, led by owner and bladesmith Joe Schrum, is a workshop focused on handcrafted, one-of-a-kind knives, rooted in a love for nature and traditional forging.
| Specialty | One-of-a-kind handcrafted knives (nature-inspired) |
| Achievements | Self-taught + mentored by local bladesmith; uses 1950s family heirloom anvil |
| Price | No public pricing (custom inquiries via workshop) |
| Ideal For | Those seeking story-rich, nature-aligned knives |
14. Dan Bidinger (Bidinger Knives)
Bidinger Knives, led by bladesmith Dan Bidinger, is a workshop specializing in custom handcrafted kitchen knives—prioritizing quality materials, thoughtful design, and functionality for both professional chefs and home cooks.
| Specialty | Custom kitchen knives (e.g., 230mm/240mm gyuto) |
| Achievements | Uses premium CPM-Magnacut steel; specializes in frame handle construction |
| Price | No public pricing (inquiries via email/phone) |
| Ideal For | Pro chefs/home cooks seeking high-quality custom kitchen knives |
15. Bloodroot Blades
Bloodroot Blades, led by bladesmiths Luke Snyder and David Van Wyk, is a community-focused workshop specializing in hand-forged knives—with a standout focus on custom kitchen knives, plus hunting and utility blades—blending functionality with nature and heritage ties.
| specialty | Custom chef knives (tailored to home cooks/chefs); personalized engravings |
| Price/Access | Custom orders via team collaboration (no public pricing listed) |
| Ideal For | Home cooks/chefs (heritage-driven kitchen blades), outdoor enthusiasts |
How to Choose the Right American Custom Chef Knife Maker
With so many talented artisans, picking the right one comes down to your needs and preferences. Here’s what to consider:
- Your Cooking Style: Professional chefs may prioritize edge retention, while home cooks might want low-maintenance stainless steel.
- Steel Type: High-carbon steel offers sharpness but needs oiling; stainless steel resists rust; Damascus adds beauty.
- Handle Material: Natural wood is comfortable but needs care; G10/carbon fiber is durable and easy to clean.
- Budget: Custom knives range from $300 to $2,000+ . Set a budget based on how often you’ll use the knife.
- Customization: If you want a truly unique blade, look for makers who offer consultations to tailor the knife to your hand and style.
Final Thoughts
American custom chef knife makers are redefining what a kitchen tool can be—blending artistry, performance, and personality into every blade. At Leeknives, we’re proud to join this legacy: we craft custom chef knives tailored to your grip, cutting style, and aesthetic, plus offer reliable OEM services for brands seeking high-quality, branded kitchen blades.
Whether you’re a pro chef chasing a blade that fits like a second hand, a home cook wanting a personalized tool, or a business needing OEM kitchen knives, investing in a custom or brand-aligned blade turns every chop into joy. Ready to start? Visit Leeknives to explore our custom options, inquire about OEM partnerships, or learn how we bring your knife vision to life. Your perfect blade is just a click away.
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