Handmade Knives for Kitchen and Camping
Don Carlos Andrade
My primary focus in creating one-of-a-kind, hand-forged chef and camp knives is to serve your specific needs for a lifetime. The study and collecting of handmade, custom cutlery has captivated me for many years, and I feel very blessed to now be making heirloom quality knives.
As an artist creating bronze and stone sculpture for over 20 years, I am now fascinated by the metal-forming process. The possibilities of manipulating metal while hot seem endless. I'm inspired to create beautiful knives by using simple hand held tools, by consciously creating sacred space, and by working in a slow meditative manner. My training as a professional chef informs keen insight towards creating fine chef knives.
The traditional chef knives of Europe, France and Japan are intriguing to me and I have taken on the challenge of forging some of my own adaptations of these traditional patterns. Camp knives are a blast to create and I have come to realize that just about any style and size knife can be a "camp knife". I also enjoy making personal knives of integral construction as well.
I forged my first knife under the direction of master metalsmith Tai Goo, and continue to visit his studio each year to learn more.
I invite you to visit California Custom Knives often to share in my journey.
Blessings of Goodness and Peace to you All. -DON:)