California has always carved its own path and its knife-making scene is no different.
From the high-tech precision of Silicon Valley to the rugged, hand-forged blades shaped in Northern forests, California bladesmiths bring a unique mix of tradition, innovation, and personal craftsmanship to the table.
This guide isn’t just a list. It’s a starting point for anyone looking to discover the best custom knife makers California has to offer, whether you’re a professional chef searching for your next handmade gyuto, a collector hunting down something rare and beautiful, or a brand founder hoping to turn your own knife design into reality.
We’ve gathered a wide range of makers: from small one-person workshops to well-established names in the world of handmade knives.
You’ll find insight into their styles, materials, specialties, and what makes each one stand out.
Let’s explore the bladesmiths keeping California’s knife-making legacy sharp, creative, and alive.
How to choose a knife maker in California
1) Find a maker by region
Southern California is home to some of the most inventive custom knife makers in the state. In Los Angeles, Fell Knives crafts soulful kitchen knives, blending utility with handmade beauty.
Bober Blades, based in San Diego, takes a precision-focused approach to modern folders each one hand-built with an engineer’s care.
And in Oceanside, Meglio Knives brings together advanced steel technology and hand-finishing to create chef’s knives trusted by professionals.
Northern California brings a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation.
In Los Osos, Don Carlos Andrade of California Custom Knives forges every knife by hand, often using traditional methods passed down through the bladesmithing world.
Al Warren, working from Roseville, has decades of experience making reliable hunting and pocket knives. And in Visalia, Olamic Cutlery is known worldwide for one-of-a-kind folding knives, each one crafted with care and individuality.
The Bay Area may not be packed with knife makers, but the ones here are doing meaningful, personal work.
In Oakland, John McKenna creates heirloom blades with an artistic feel, often forging each knife by hand in small batches. Over in Arcata, Nick Anderson of Nanda Knives draws from global experience to make refined chef and hunting knives with a Northern California spirit.
In Tracy, Diez Knives builds practical EDC and outdoor knives that are meant to be used, not just displayed.
2) Choose by knife specialty
If you’re looking for knives built for the kitchen, these makers are worth exploring.
Fell Knives, Don Carlos Andrade, Nanda, Meglio, and Honest Knife Co. all focus on chef’s knives that perform well and feel good in the hand.
Whether you cook every day or only on weekends, these blades are made to be used.
For those who prefer folding knives or tactical builds, California has excellent options. Olamic Cutlery is known for its high-end folders, often crafted from Damascus and built with detail in mind.
Bober Blades keeps things clean and functional, with well-balanced folders designed for daily carry.
Diez Knives leans into the practical side of things, offering machetes and survival-style blades meant for heavy use.
If you need something dependable outdoors, a few makers stand out.
Al Warren focuses on classic hunting knives that are simple, strong, and proven.
Diez Knives also offers outdoor tools designed for real conditions, the kind you’d take camping, hiking, or anywhere rugged.
3) Select by price point and style
Some knives are meant to last a lifetime, or even longer.
If you’re looking for a showpiece or a personal investment, take a look at Olamic, Andrade, Meglio, and Fell Knives.
These blades are made with premium materials and a deep respect for craft.
You don’t have to spend thousands to own a quality custom knife. Makers like Al Warren, Honest Knife Co., Bober Blades, and Diez Knives offer great value for the work they put in.
These knives are honest, functional, and built with attention to detail, a good fit for home cooks, hobbyists, and everyday use.
Launch Your Custom Knife Line Faster with LeeKnives
Complete OEM/ODM support—from design to final shipment—so you can focus on growth.
Backed by warehouses in the U.S. for fast, reliable delivery.
California’s elite: the top-tier knife makers
1) Olamic Cutlery
Olamic Cutlery is a family-owned studio founded in 2010 in Visalia.
What sets them apart is their “never the same” philosophy, each knife is built one at a time with virtually unlimited custom options.
The brand started with large fixed blades but became widely known for its high-end folding knives like the Wayfarer series.
They even forge their own high-carbon vanadium Damascus steel in-house, a rarity among modern makers.
Most knives are ground and assembled completely by hand, ensuring every piece feels unique.
Olamic has earned a reputation for its artistic inlays, bold finishes, and precision fit and finish, making them a leader in the EDC and collector market.
Location: Visalia, California
Core Highlight: Truly one-of-a-kind folding knives with hand-forged Damascus and millions of possible build combinations.
What we admire: We love Olamic’s commitment to individuality. Every knife feels special, like you’re holding a piece of art designed just for you.
2) California Custom Knives
Don Carlos Andrade is an ABS Master Bladesmith and the creative force behind California Custom Knives in Los Osos.
Trained as both a chef and a sculptor, Andrade brings an artistic sensibility to every knife he forges.
His specialty lies in hand-forged chef and camp knives, which combine refined edge geometry with durable, heirloom-level construction.
Most of his blades are integrally forged from round or square stock, a labor-intensive method that yields unique and functional results.
Andrade’s work balances practicality with artistic beauty, making his knives highly sought after by professionals and collectors alike.
Location: Los Osos, California
Core Highlight: ABS Master Bladesmith creating heirloom-quality hand-forged chef and camp knives.
What we admire: Don’s knives embody both artistry and durability. They’re made to be passed down for generations while still excelling in daily use.
3) Fell Knives
Fell Knives is the vision of Nicholas Berkofsky, who forges distinctive kitchen knives in his Downtown Los Angeles workshop.
His blades combine Japanese and European influences, with each piece hand-hammered for balance and “soul.”
Berkofsky uses high-carbon steels and pairs them with exotic handle woods such as dyed maple or charred Osage orange.
No two knives are ever alike, his knives are patterned, textured, and full of character.
His work has been highlighted for its artistry, and he has become a respected figure in LA’s maker community.
For chefs and collectors, Fell Knives represents the perfect mix of utility and expressive design.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Core Highlight: Soulful, hand-forged kitchen knives that fuse artistry with everyday functionality.
What we admire: Nick’s knives feel alive. They carry both his creativity and his craftsmanship, making every piece stand out in the kitchen.
4) Meglio Knives
Meglio Knives operates from Oceanside and has built a reputation for blending cutting-edge steel technology with traditional handcraft.
Founded by Brandon Hampton, the company has supplied knives to chefs and military clients for more than a decade.
They are early adopters of particle metallurgy steels, which offer outstanding hardness, toughness, and edge retention.
Despite their focus on modern materials, every knife is hand-finished and inspected with rigorous quality standards.
Their chef’s knives are especially popular for their balance, edge performance, and sleek, contemporary look.
Meglio sits comfortably at the intersection of innovation and craftsmanship.
Location: Oceanside, California
Core Highlight: High-performance chef knives made with advanced steels and meticulous hand-finishing.
What we admire: Meglio’s dedication to material science makes their knives both futuristic and reliable, tools built to perform under serious use.
Launch Your Custom Knife Line Faster with LeeKnives
Complete OEM/ODM support—from design to final shipment—so you can focus on growth.
Backed by warehouses in the U.S. for fast, reliable delivery.
Affordable custom knife makers in California
5) Al Warren Custom Knives
Based in Roseville, Al Warren is a veteran bladesmith who has been making custom knives for decades.
His specialty is rugged hunting, pocket, and camp knives designed for real-world use.
He is well-known for working with CPM S30V stainless steel, which he heat-treats for durability, edge retention, and strength.
His knives are clean, practical, and built to withstand the outdoors, yet still carry the attention to detail expected from a true custom maker.
Customers praise his work for being both affordable and reliable, a balance rarely achieved in the custom market.
Location: Roseville, California
Core Highlight: Classic hunting and pocket knives crafted from CPM S30V for toughness and edge longevity.
What we admire: Al’s decades of experience shine in every blade. His no-frills approach means you get a knife that’s dependable, timeless, and built to last.
6) Nanda Custom Knives
Nanda Knives is the work of Nick Anderson, an artisan bladesmith based in Arcata.
With a background in art and global training in Thailand, Nick blends creative design with functional performance.
His knives range from culinary blades to outdoor knives, often featuring striking Damascus patterns and bold handle materials.
Beyond just making knives, Nick also teaches bladesmithing, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of makers.
His style emphasizes heirloom craftsmanship, knives that are equal parts practical tools and works of art.
Location: Arcata, California
Core Highlight: Art-driven custom knives that combine international influences with high-end performance.
What we admire: We appreciate Nick’s creativity and versatility. His knives are not only functional but also showcase his artistic vision, making them stand out in any collection.
7) Bober Blades
Kyle Bober of Bober Blades brings an engineer’s precision to knife making.
Originally known for designing intricate spinners and pocket tops, he shifted to crafting folding and fixed knives with the same meticulous care.
Each knife is made by hand, without CNC machines, and finished with fine attention to detail.
His work often incorporates titanium, anodized accents, and clean modern lines.
Collectors and EDC enthusiasts alike appreciate the smooth mechanics and thoughtful design of his folders. Bober’s knives embody the idea of functional art.
Location: San Diego, California
Core Highlight: Precision-crafted folding knives made by hand with an engineer’s eye for detail.
What we admire: Kyle’s knives feel like mechanical art. We admire how every piece shows off his passion for both design and function.
Launch Your Custom Knife Line Faster with LeeKnives
Complete OEM/ODM support—from design to final shipment—so you can focus on growth.
Backed by warehouses in the U.S. for fast, reliable delivery.
Bay area and Los Angeles knife makers
8) John McKenna Knives
John McKenna is a bladesmith and artist based in Oakland. With a background in illustration and training at The Crucible, he brings an artistic touch to every knife he makes.
His knives are hand-forged in small batches, often custom commissions meant to become heirlooms.
John focuses on both kitchen and outdoor knives, using traditional steels and natural handle materials.
His motto, “heirlooms for your children’s children,” reflects his goal of making blades that endure.
Each piece combines functionality with an organic, handcrafted aesthetic.
Location: Oakland, California
Core Highlight: Hand-forged knives crafted as heirlooms, blending art and utility.
What we admire: We admire John’s authenticity. His knives feel personal, rooted in Oakland’s creative spirit, and designed to last a lifetime.
9) Diez Knives
Diez Knives is led by Julio Diez in Tracy, with a focus on rugged, heavy-duty blades.
His catalog includes survival knives, machetes, and kukris built for hard outdoor use.
These knives are often made from high-carbon steels with full-tang construction, emphasizing toughness over flash.
Julio’s “Rough N Ready” and other models highlight his practical approach to tools that won’t fail in demanding conditions.
He has also collaborated with larger brands like Condor, extending his designs to a global audience.
His knives appeal to those who want dependable tools for the outdoors.
Location: Tracy, California
Core Highlight: Heavy-duty outdoor knives designed for survival, bushcraft, and hard use.
What we admire: Julio’s knives are built like tanks. We appreciate their straightforward durability, they’re made to get the job done when it matters most.
10) Honest Knife Company
Honest Knife Company is a small workshop in Rocklin dedicated to custom kitchen knives.
The maker, Rick, builds each knife by hand with a focus on balance, comfort, and customer input.
His chef’s knives and gyuto-style blades are well-reviewed for being both practical and beautifully made.
Rick often uses high-carbon stainless steels paired with wooden or composite handles, sometimes incorporating customer-supplied materials.
Honest Knife Company has earned praise for its fair prices and personalized approach, offering home cooks access to professional-level tools.
Location: Rocklin, California
Core Highlight: Affordable custom kitchen knives made in the USA with a personal, customer-focused process.
What we admire: We admire the honesty behind the name. These knives aren’t flashy, they’re well-crafted, dependable, and tailored to each customer’s needs.
Launch Your Custom Knife Line Faster with LeeKnives
Complete OEM/ODM support—from design to final shipment—so you can focus on growth.
Backed by warehouses in the U.S. for fast, reliable delivery.
Finding a strategic partner for your knife brand
Not everyone who loves knives is a bladesmith. Maybe you have a great design idea, or a vision for your own knife brand.
But forging blades, managing production, and figuring out logistics just isn’t your craft.
So, what do you do if you want to bring that idea to life?
That’s where private label and OEM manufacturing come in. These models are used by many successful American knife brands, and they’re simpler than you might think.
With OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing), you partner with a manufacturer who produces the knives based on your design, specifications, or even brand story.
It’s a way to focus on growing your business without needing your own workshop.
Leeknives: Your US-based partner for global manufacturing
We’ve helped dozens of brands launch and grow their knife lines through a system that’s efficient, affordable, and built for scale.
Our factory in China builds every knife to high standards, using the same steels and production techniques trusted by top-tier makers.
And once your order is complete, we don’t just drop it in international shipping limbo. With our Los Angeles-based warehouse, you can store inventory in the U.S., ship faster, lower your shipping costs, and skip customs hassles.
Whether you’re launching a new brand or scaling an existing line, we work with you on materials, pricing, packaging, and more.
Not only that but over the years we’ve worked with:
- E-commerce brands that need reliable, repeatable inventory.
- Entrepreneurs and designers who want to turn a knife concept into a real product.
- Established makers looking to expand without overwhelming their current shop.
So if you’re ready to launch your own knife brand? Contact LeeKnives to learn how our OEM services and U.S.-based logistics can help you build something lasting.
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