Custom Knifemakers

About us

KNIVES

Reviews

BEADS

Shipping

Сontacts

KEYCHAINS

$/€

[email protected]

DAGGERS

BLADES

SWORDS

EXCLUSIVES

SALE

INFORMATION

CHECK OUT OUR STORE

Previous Article

BACK TO BLOG

Read Next

CUSTOM KNIFEMAKERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO THE BEST IN THE USA AND WORLDWIDE Written by: Dr. Braide Honest

Updated: September 6, 2025

Noblie Custom Knives / Knife News / Custom Knifemakers: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best in the USA and Worldwide

Contents 1 Who Is The World’s Best Knife Maker? 2 Who Are The Best Custom Knife Makers? 3 Alain Miville-Deschênes 4 Aleks Nemtcev (Noblie Custom Knives) 5 Alexis LeCocq 6 Antonio Montejano Nieto 7 Antonio Fogarizzu 8 Ariel Salaverria 9 Audra Draper 10 Ben Abbott – American Knife Maker and Forged in Fire Champion 11 Bertie Rietveld

12 Bill Vining 13 Bill Tuch 14 Bob Kramer – Best Knife Maker Specializing in Kitchen Knives 15 Bob Loveless – One of The Most Famous Custom Knifemakers 16 Buster Warenski – Knife Maker, Known for Most Expensive Knives 17 Chad Kennedy 18 Daniel Keown 19 Dave Kelly 20 David Brodziak  21 David Kramp 22 Dellana 23 Des Horn 24 Dionatam Franco 25 Deryk Munroe 26 Don Cowles 27 Don Morrow 28 Dr. Fred Carter 29 Dusty Moulton 30 Enrique Peña 31 Emmanuel Esposito 32 Francesco Pachi – Knife Maker and  Knife Photographer 33 Gabe Fletcher 34 Gaétan Beauchamp 35 George E. Dailey 36 Gil Hibben – President of the Knifemakers’ Guild 37 Glenn Waters – Knifemaker from Japan 38 Gus Cecchini 39 Gustavo C. Vilar 40 Harumi Hirayama 41 Heather and Kevin Harvey 42 Henry H. Frank 43 Hidetoshi Nakayama 44 Howard Hitchmough 45 Jack Busfield 46 Javier Vogt 47 Jean-Louis Regel 48 Jeremy Yelle 49 Jerry Corbit 50 Jim and Joyce Minnick 51 Joe Szilaski 52 Joe Kious 53 Johan Gustaffson 54 John W. Smith 55 Johnny Stout 56 Josh Smith 57 Julian Antunes 58 Jurgen Steinau – Custom Knife Maker Specializing in Futuristic Knives 59 Kaj Embretsen 60 Ken Onion 61 Kyle Royer – Knife Maker and Popular YouTube Blogger 62 Lloyd Hale 63 Loyd McConnell 64 Luiz Gustavo Gonçalves 65 Michael A. Tyre 66 Michael Jankowsky 67 Michael Vagnino 68 Michael Walker – Best Custom Knife Maker Specializing in Folders 69 Mike Whiskers Allen 70 Mardi Meshejian 71 Nico Pelzer – Knife Maker from South Africa 72 Noblie Custom Knives 73 Owen Wood – Founder of the Southern Africa Knifemaker’s Guild 74 Pedro Fornari 75 Ray and Ron Appleton 76 Rhidian Gatrill 77 Ricardo Vilar – Brazilian Knife Maker 78 Richard Rogers 79 Rik Palm 80 Rudi Zirlin – Knife Maker From Israel 81 Shaun and Sharla Hansen 82 Stan Wilson 83 Stefan Steigerwald 84 Stephen Olszewski 85 Stephen Vanderkolff 86 Steve Hoel 87 Steve R. Johnson 88 Thomas Haslinger 89 Tim Herman 90 Todd Begg 91 Tom Overeynder 92 Tony Bose 93 Tracy Mickley 94 Van Barnett 95 Vince Evans 96 WD Pease 97 Wolfgang Loerchner

98 William (Bill) Burger 99 Zane Dvorak 100 Conclusion

Occasionally, one encounters knives that qualify as genuine art. Custom knife makers use rare materials to create these knives, embellishing them with intricate scrimshaw or hand engraving. Primarily, these knives serve as collectibles rather than utilitarian tools for household or hunting purposes. But who makes the best custom knives? This guide delves into the world of top custom knife makers, showcasing their artistry and craftsmanship. Such knives often represent investments rather than mere acquisitions. The world’s finest knife makers, responsible for these unique creations, frequently innovate in the knifemaking process. This discussion focuses on knives crafted by leading knife makers globally.

Who Is The World’s Best Knife Maker? Identifying the world’s best knife maker involves subjective assessments, as this title depends on diverse criteria like craftsmanship, design innovation, and influence in the knife-making community. Renowned figures in this realm include Bob Loveless, known for his revolutionary hunting knife designs, and Bill Moran, who played a pivotal role in reviving the craft of Damascus steel. Modern innovators like Ken Onion recognized for his unique designs and mechanical advancements, and Tony Bose, celebrated for his mastery of traditional folding knives, also claim significant standing. Bob Kramer, a master bladesmith, is celebrated for his exceptional kitchen knives, blending culinary expertise with superior craftsmanship. Each maker’s unique contribution to the field, whether in utility, artistry, or innovation, cements their reputation, making the title of the world’s best a matter of personal preference and specific criteria within the broad and diverse world of knife-making.

 

Who Are The Best Custom Knife Makers? This comprehensive list explores the best custom knife makers, whose work ranges from functional hunting knives to intricate art pieces. Key figures include Enrique Peña, renowned for his modern traditional folding knives, and Owen Wood, a distinguished figure in the ‘Art Knife’ category is celebrated for his innovative designs and intricate craftsmanship. Buster Warenski is recognized for crafting some of the most expensive knives, while Ben Abbott is an esteemed knife maker and champion on “Forged in Fire.” Francesco Pachi combines knife making with his renown as a knife photographer, and Kyle Royer, a popular YouTube blogger, also excels in knife making. Michael Walker is celebrated for specializing in folders. Each of these knifemakers has carved a unique niche in the industry, earning acclaim for their dedication to craftsmanship, performance, and aesthetic appeal. Aleks Nemtcev is known for his mosaic Damascus and intricate engraving. Their creations reflect a deep understanding of both the functional and artistic aspects of knife-making, catering to a wide spectrum of users from professional chefs and outdoors enthusiasts to collectors and art connoisseurs. Bladeforums.com

In 2024, the question “Who makes the best custom knives?” remains highly relevant as enthusiasts and professionals alike seek the finest craftsmanship and innovation in knife making. This list presents leading knifemakers of all time each known for their unique artistry, precision, and dedication to the craft.

ALAIN MIVILLE-DESCHÊNES Quebec, Canada Alain was familiar with knives at an early age when he used them for camping and hunting. He also began collecting knives as a young boy. In 1999, he decided to try manual work as a change from his computer artist job and chose knifemaking. Alain selftaught himself into knifemaking with the help of books, magazines, and the Internet. He still likes to learn and experiment with new things, techniques, and designs. Alain creates various knives of many styles: hunting knives, tactical knives, neck knives, folders, and art knives. He likes to use natural materials, such as wood-burl, antler, and ivory, and employs metalworking, soldering, sculpture, jewelry, leatherwork, and more.  Vestiges site is owned and managed by Alain Miville-Deschênes. Website

ALEKS NEMTCEV (NOBLIE CUSTOM KNIVES) Edison, (NJ), USA Aleks Nemtcev is a distinguished knifemaker and the owner of Noblie Custom Knives, celebrated for his mastery in both crafting and collecting custom knives. He skillfully fuses traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, resulting in pieces that are as innovative as they are functional. His creations often feature rare materials such as mosaic Damascus steel, crystallized titanium, timascus, and even mammoth molars, along with creative elements like paracord beads that add a unique, tactile dimension to his designs. Nemtcev’s contributions have firmly established him as a respected figure within the knife-making community. Aleks Nemtcev’s Expert and Knife Maker Website and Reddit.

ALEXIS LECOCQ France Alexis LeCocq is an exceptionally talented young French knife maker, celebrated for his refined blend of traditional artistry and modern innovation. A graduate of the renowned armory school of St Etienne, Alexis initially honed his skills crafting fine custom guns before committing fully to the art of knife making. His work features a distinctive aesthetic that merges precise engineering with elegant design—often incorporating premium materials like ATS-34 stainless steel, anodized titanium liners, and luxurious mother-of-pearl inlays. Notably, his creations frequently showcase precise engravings, executed by master artisans such as Simone Fezzardi, which add an exquisite layer of detail to each piece. Today, Alexis LeCocq’s knives are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, marking him as a rising star poised to redefine contemporary French cutlery. Alexis LeCocq Instagram Profile.

ANTONIO MONTEJANO NIETO Albacete, Spain Antonio began to etch and engrave knives at the age of 21, under the tutelage of his Master Engraver father. He received the honorific title of Master Artisan in 2000. Along with traditional etching and engraving artisan techniques, Antonio uses some new methods he has developed or improved on his own. He also employs the techniques of the goldsmith. Antonio has been awarded many prizes at cutlery competitions in Spain. Antonio’s knives are inspired by classic styles such as Gothic, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau.  Antonio Montejano Nieto Instagram Profile.

ANTONIO FOGARIZZU

Sardinia, Italy Antonio Fogarizzu is a master knife maker whose roots run deep in the rich metalworking traditions of Sardinia, Italy. Raised in Pattada—a town celebrated for its handmade switchblades—Antonio first honed his skills in the workshop of his father, Salvatore, where the art of knife making was a way of life. After a rigorous apprenticeship mastering classical construction techniques, he embarked on a journey of innovation in 1997, experimenting with mosaic Damascus steel and unusual materials that would come to define his unique style. Today, Fogarizzu’s fine crafted knives, marked by intricate inlays and precise engravings, not only reflect his personal artistic vision but also pay homage to Sardinia’s storied heritage in blade craftsmanship. Antonio Fogarizzu Instagram Profile.

ARIEL SALAVERRIA Buenos Aires, Argentina Ariel made his first knife when he was 12 years old and later gained experience in electric facilities and artistic bladesmithing shops. After several years of part-time knifemaking, Ariel became a full-time knifemaker in 2002. Ariel uses his small shop to individually craft his knives each of which is fully hand-made. With a focus on Damascus steel, Ariel often combines various metal elements in his blades. He is constantly expanding his horizons, trying new ways and techniques, which makes every one of his knives unique and amazing. Ariel Salaverria’s Website

AUDRA DRAPER Riverton (WY), USA  In 1992, Audra began working and apprenticing with Ed Fowler, American Bladesmith Society Master Bladesmith. In 1996, Audra received her Journeyman Smith rating and soon built her own workshop. In 2000, Audra became the first woman to receive her Mastersmith rating from the American Bladesmith Society. Her husband Mike began making knives full-time in 2000, and the whole family got involved in the designing and crafting of knives.  Draper Knives on Facebook

BEN ABBOTT – AMERICAN KNIFE MAKER AND FORGED IN FIRE CHAMPION Pasadena, California, USA Ben Abbott has been crafting knives since the early 2000s. Abbott’s approach to knife-making emphasizes complete craftsmanship, where he oversees every aspect of his creations, from forging and heat treating to the intricate finishing touches. Known for his appearances and victories on “Forged in Fire,” he brings a unique blend of historical knowledge and practical

expertise to his work. Abbott’s workshop, equipped with both traditional tools and modern equipment, serves as the birthplace for his diverse range of blades, including his signature Damascus steel. Ashgrove Forge Website.

BERTIE RIETVELD Magaliesburg, South Africa Bertie has been making knives in his workshop since 1980. Bertie is passionate about sole authorship and expresses his artistic talents in many aspects of his art knives, from self-made Dragonskin Damascus to stonework for handles to gold inlay work. His well-equipped workshop is filled with all sorts of machines each having a specific task. Yet, the principal work is done by hand. Bertie is very nice about details and may spend hours designing and then choosing the appropriate materials for a project. Rietveld Knives Website.

BILL VINING Methuen (MA), USA Bill began making knives in 2003. Bill has always had a fascination for knives. He is still proud of being a knifemaker capable of crafting a beautiful knife. Bill’s expertise has been acquired through reading books, the Internet, and precious advice from some of the best knife makers in the world. Today, Bill makes custom folding knives, boot knives, hunting knives, and kitchen knives of his design. He handcrafts each knife using natural handle materials such as bone, ivory, and pearls and occasionally uses different types of woods and burls. Bill Vining Instagram Profile.

BILL TUCH Portland, Oregon, Bill Tuch is a renowned knife maker operating out of Portland, Oregon, celebrated for his exceptional artistry and craftsmanship. With a background rooted in metals supply and fabrication, Bill began his knife-making journey in 2005 and quickly discovered a

passion for transforming raw materials into heirloom-grade blades. Eschewing heavy reliance on machinery, his work is predominantly executed by hand using files, sandpaper, and sharpening stones—techniques that demand patience and a profound attention to detail. Bill’s designs, such as his signature fluted and stippled lockback daggers, showcase his ability to blend functional precision with striking aesthetics, earning him accolades among collectors and enthusiasts alike. His commitment to innovation and perfection has firmly established him as one of the most influential contemporary knife makers in the knife community. Tuch Knives Website.

BOB KRAMER – BEST KNIFE MAKER SPECIALIZING IN KITCHEN KNIVES Olympia, Washington, USA Bob Kramer, a renowned figure in the field of knifemaking, operates from Olympia, Washington. A former line cook and chef, Kramer’s culinary background deeply influences his knife-making philosophy. He founded Kramer Knives to create kitchen cutlery that meets the rigorous demands of professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts. Kramer holds the distinctive title of Master Bladesmith from the American Bladesmith Society, a testament to his expertise in forging and metallurgy. His specialization in kitchen knives, particularly chef’s knives, features unique designs that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. Kramer’s knives are famous for their precision, balance, and use of high-quality materials, including his work with pattern-welded steel, also known as Damascus steel. His commitment to craftsmanship and performance makes his knives highly sought after in the culinary world. Kramer Official Store.

BOB LOVELESS – ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS CUSTOM KNIFEMAKERS (1929-2010) Riverside, California, USA Bob Loveless, a pivotal figure in modern knife-making, began crafting knives in the late 1950s. Located in Riverside, California, his workshop became a hub for innovation and excellence in knife design. Loveless, a former member of the Merchant Marine and U.S. Air Force, brought a practical perspective to his craft, focusing on functional yet elegant designs. His work, particularly the drop point hunter, revolutionized hunting knives, emphasizing utility and simplicity. He co-founded the Knifemakers’ Guild in 1970, contributing significantly to the field through mentorship and collaboration. Loveless’ knives, characterized by their distinctive design and impeccable craftsmanship, remain highly sought after in the knife community. Loveless Knives Website.

BUSTER WARENSKI – KNIFE MAKER, KNOWN FOR MOST EXPENSIVE KNIVES (1942-2005) Utah, USA Fortunate to live in prime hunting and fishing country, and being one who enjoys working with his hands, in 1966 he began making hunting knives as a hobby. After fine-tuning his skills in the custom shop of Harvey Draper, one of the world’s first knife makers, Buster began making knives full-time. Most of his productions were high-end art knives,  many embellished with his own engraving and gold inlay art. In 1973, Buster joined the Knifemakers Guild, where he later served as director, vice president, and president. Julie Warenski Website.

CHAD KENNEDY Holliday (TX), USA Forged in Fire champion Chad Kennedy is a bladesmith from Holliday, Texas, and owner of Chad Kennedy Knives. By forging his own Damascus, he crafts knives into unique works of art in a variety of styles, from hunting knives to cleavers and hatchets. In June of 2021, Chad earned his Journeyman stamp from the American Bladesmith Society, providing further evidence of his skill. Chad Kennedy Knives on Facebook.

DANIEL KEOWN Westminster, South Carolina, USA Daniel Keown builds precision slipjoint folders with crisp walk-and-talk, flush transitions at open/half/closed, and immaculate handrubbed finishes. He machines liners and backsprings to tight tolerances, favors clean swedges and symmetrical grinds, and selects traditional handle materials—stag, jigged bone, micarta—that honor American pocketknife patterns. Collectors value his tuning and practical cutting geometry.

DAVE KELLY Los Angeles (CA), USA With a background in producing custom cabinetry and furniture, Dave became interested in custom knives in 2002. After studying books and videos and purchasing the required materials and tools, he started designing folding knives and created his first knife in 2003. Fixed blades are a part of his art, along with folders. Dave’s knives have been approved by four voting members of the Knifemakers Guild. Dave participates in the activities of the American knifemakers community and enjoys its support and experience.

DAVID BRODZIAK 

Albany, Australia  David started making knives in 1989 and became a full-time knifemaker in 1993. After meeting artist Carol Ann O’Connor in 1999, they started making knives with medieval and fantasy themes. The combination of Bill’s knives and Carol’s art was successful right from the start, with several best art knife awards won in the first year. Bill’s knives are unique and have been sold to collectors in different countries.   David Brodziak Custom Knives website.

DAVID KRAMP Santa Barbara, California, USA David Kramp entered the custom scene with disciplined grinds, strong fit and finish, and clean, functional designs. He focuses on straightforward hunters and EDCs, applies proven heat-treat protocols to modern tool steels, and shapes ergonomic handles that index the hand naturally. His work prioritizes cutting performance over ornament.

DELLANA

West Virginia, USA Dellana was immensely creative already as a teenager: she would make her clothes, draw, paint, embroider, and even create things from scratch. In 1979, she started her own goldsmithing business. When Dellana met master knifemaker Jim Schmidt, she was intrigued by the beautiful art of making art knives. By 1996, Dellana became a full-time knifemaker, incorporating her background in jewelry with her fascination with knives. Soon she became a voting member of the Knifemakers Guild, a member of the American Bladesmith Society, and the prestigious Art Knife Invitational group. Dellana has produced many amazing Damascus pocket knives and does engraving herself.  Dellana Knives website.

DES HORN Cape Town, South Africa Des started knifemaking as a schoolboy and crafted his first quality knife in 1970. In 1990, Des started going to international knife shows and has, on many occasions, won awards for his designs and the quality of his work in South Africa and internationally. In 2004, he decided to follow his passion, becoming a full-time knife maker. Des’s main focus is on folding art knives. Des Horn Official website.

DIONATAM FRANCO Brazil

Dionatam Franco forges bold Bowies and fighters with aggressive clip points, even plunge lines, and tight guard junctions. He manages heat treatment for edge stability and visual depth—hamon activity on carbon steels or high-contrast Damascus when the design calls for it. His pieces balance historical Bowie lines with modern execution.

DERYK MUNROE Montana, USA Deryk Munroe, based in Gallatin Valley, Montana, is renowned for his visionary approach to knife design. With a reputation for pushing the boundaries of functionality and aesthetics, Munroe’s creations often feature signature elements such as a blued Damascus blade, precision-honed for both performance and beauty, and innovative locking mechanisms that ensure smooth, early lock-up. His work, which expertly fuses traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering, is marked by fine engineered details— from custom titanium frames and dual thumb-studs to ventilated, color-anodized finishes—that appeal to both collectors and everyday users. Monroe Knives website.

DON COWLES Royal Oak (MI), USA Don made his first knife in the sixties, and ever since has had a lifelong fascination with knives. He got serious about knifemaking in 1994 when he started buying professional equipment. In the nineties, Don self-taught himself into knifemaking with the help of the “Knife List” Internet forum, and still acknowledges a debt of gratitude to its many participants. He pursued his own visions of personal cutlery and developed a style that is uniquely his own. Don is a member of the Miniature Knifemakers Society and contributes as a moderator to online knife forums.