I believe in good food,
good friends,
and well-made tools built to last.

I'm John Phillips—a father, artist, gardener, craftsman, friend, and chef—creating, loving, and thriving in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Every day, I bring my passion to life, blending artistry and craft to shape experiences beyond the ordinary.

Each of my knives are a true labor of love and they usually take up to 100 hours over several days— to craft from selection of steel to finished product.

I started making knives because I love to cook. In order to prepare a wonderful, mesmerizing meal you must have the proper tools. I believe Damascus steel makes the best blades for culinary knives.
The steel’s origin and history, combined with the hand-forged process, ensure that each piece becomes a unique, custom blade. This is my life’s work: to create a knife that brings joy whenever you use it because it’s beautiful and functional.

Time is precious.
The right tool makes life easier. I want everyone to experience the satisfaction and efficiency that come from using a gorgeous, well-made, sharp knife.

The tools I make can be used to save time as well as present a bountiful, memorable meal to nourish the soul.

I gained some recognition on the History Channel’s Forged in Fire, where I won the “Foot Artillery” episode (Season 6, Episode 20) and later returned as a champion in Season 10, Episode 16 to showcase my skills again. Beyond Forged in Fire, I’ve also been featured on PBS, with my knives highlighted in Garden & Gun and included in Chef Sean Brock’s New York Times Bestselling cookbook, South. Read more about my press coverage here.

If you would like to get in touch with me, please give me a shout here.

While you’re here, check out Primeaux—my small-batch, premium kitchen knife company, where I craft some of the world’s finest knives, right here in Knoxville, Tennessee. Each blade is a work of art, designed for those who value quality, precision, and style in the kitchen.