I’m John Phillips.
a.k.a. The Knife Man
I believe in good food, good conversation, and the art of shaping objects that feel alive in your hands: built to last, and built with intention.
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.
I started making knives because I love to cook. In fact, cooking is my passion.
Just as I build living soil in my garden layer by layer, I build Damascus steel layer by layer—each fold and pattern becoming the starting point of a blade shaped for use in the kitchen.
I believe Damascus steel offers an ideal balance of strength, edge, and character.
Each of my pieces are a true labor of love and they usually take up to 100 hours over several days (or months).
The origin and history of each material whether it be wood or steel, combined with my hand-forged process, ensure that each piece becomes a unique, custom, unforgettable heirloom.
I’d love for you to check out Primeaux, a small-batch kitchen knife company I started in 2022 in my backyard, focused on thoughtfully made, high-quality tools for cooking.
You can purchase pieces from that collection at Blackberry Farm Shop and in person at Blackberry Mountain.
Beyond my Forged in Fire win, I’ve also been featured on PBS, Garden & Gun and Chef Sean Brock’s New York Times Bestselling cookbook, South.
Learn more about my press coverage here and here.
I create for those who value quality, precision, style and magic.
This is my life’s work: to create art that brings you joy because it’s beautiful and functional.