This week’s interview takes us across the pond to the workshop of Korben Bloomfield to the UK. Since making his start he has defined and style and approach all his own and caught my attention a few years ago. Life is all about contrasts, and that is where his work really shines I am very pleased to be able to share his story with you.
What sparked your interest in knives?
I have always been interested in making things and when I was about 15 (2014) I tried forging a nail into a miniature sword letter opener using a BBQ and hair drier. Shortly after that I made a folding version and the perfectionist in me took over, investing in new tools and better steel.
Do you have a favorite knife you made?
I don’t have a favourite knife, I try to make sure every one is better than the last, so most new designs end up being my favourite, but I also spot the bit that can be improved.
What keeps you going?
Honestly not sure what keeps me going. It’s tough sometimes. I love the work and the feeling of success and being proud to make nice things, but running a business has a lot of different sides and some of them are very stressful, particularly dealing with shipping companies and social media which both seem to have a problem with anything remotely sharp, no matter how artistic or necessary.
What kinds of knives do you make?
I have made just about every type of knife, from folding letter openers and cut throat razors, to axes and machetes. A client once asked me to create a cross between a Japanese Kukri and an elven sword, which he could use to get through the jungle forest. I almost exclusively make kitchen knives now, partially because of the marketing issues mentioned previously but mostly because they tend to have the most refined geometry and cutting edge and I like to challenge myself to make the best products I can.
Who are your influences/inspirations?
I learned most of my craft online from videos and metallurgy papers combined with a whole lot of trial and error. Inspiration is everywhere but I don’t really have any specific influencers.
How do you approach knife testing?
Testing is important. I have refined my process to the point where I know what performs well as a baseline, but every knife is tested and tweaked to fine tune it for the customer and the specific purpose. For chef knives this involves cutting various different foods, some to test the bite, some to test for wedging and food release.
How has the knife world changed since you started?
The knife world has changed a lot over the last few years, although that could also just be my experience. For example I started out advertising on social media. Specifically, Instagram was great being very photo orientated but now everyone wants the short comedy videos and you have to be a real tiktok personality. And that’s quite tough for a lot of knife makers along with the restrictions and the AI algorithms picking out anything that looks vaguely sharp.
To keep up to date with Korben, see more of his work and what he is up to head over to his website https://www.kwbknives.co.uk/ and follow his main Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kwbknives/ and if you’d like to see more of his process follow here too https://www.instagram.com/kwb_culinary_tools/
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