Japanese inspired chef knives

Gyoto, Nakiri & Co

The knife making course

In my workshop, almost exclusively fine Japanese-inspired chef's knives are made from non-stainless carbon steel using the stock remova l method.

In knife making, the stock removal method refers to the technique in which the knife blade is removed from a piece of (usually purchased) flat blade steel, for example by milling, sawing, cutting, or grinding. In contrast to forging (forging), forging the knife blade yourself.

A  Gyūtō (Japanese 牛刀, German “cattle knife”) with
traditional Wa handle made of ebony and
engraved and inlaid silver. Nice to see: the Hamon line,
which separates the hard and brittle part from the softer, more flexible part of the knife blade.

stock removal vs. forging - What's better in knife making? The question of which of the two is better is always discussed among knife makers - at the end of the forum posts and YouTube videos the answer is always the same: It depends on what you want and what is possible for you! Do you want hard physical work, great heat and hitting the anvil with a big hammer so that the decibels and the flukes just fly? Would you like to produce your material completely yourself and would you accept more work and some uncertainty regarding the material properties and composition? Do you have access to a dining room with a hood and the residents don't complain about noise? Then you're in the right place when it comes to forging knife making .
If you don't want to do any of that or if the basic conditions are not met or you just feel like doing something different, then the stock removal method is the right choice for you. On top of that, after the heat treatment you get a knife blade with reproducible results and you work with steels whose alloy components - and above all the carbon content, which is crucial for quality - are defined. In addition, the purchased steel is of course also forged. Only not by hand, but in a (usually Japanese) factory.

In my knife courses I only use the stock removal method.

Before the class

Have you ever built a knife? That doesn't matter :-) Previous knowledge of knife making doesn't bother, but it's not necessary, you like cooking, thank you, that's enough for me. For the desired area of ​​application, I take you from the idea to the finished knife. It's best to discuss your wishes and options before the course.

Which knife is right for me?

What do I want to use it for? Which knife only fits my hand? How long and how thick should the handle be? Control vs. comfort. Isn't it possible to do both? If necessary, we will produce sample handles in the 3D printer before the course and see where the journey takes us. I also have sample blades and handles available for you to try out.
Many of my course participants already have favorite knives that would be perfect with small changes and a carbon steel blade. We'll build one of these.

Last but not least

It can get dirty. One thing must be clear: In my workshop, the blade steel is not forged on the anvil, but annealing, sawing, bending and grinding are still carried out - and all of this on loud, heavy, hot and sometimes dirty equipment.
We work with partly natural materials, everything is and remains handmade with the associated differences. Protective equipment is available.

Maximum of two participants per course

The course lasts two days.

The course costs are 340 euros per person

There is a calendar with free dates here: Calendar

Please request an appointment by phone or WhatsApp on +49 (0)1577 3060307 or by email at info@goldschmiede-mansholt.de

Are photos allowed to be taken in the workshop?

You are welcome to take photos and videos for documentation and souvenirs.

A holiday apartment for up to four guests is available and we offer it via the booking platform Airbnb. In the event that the apartment is not available on the desired course date, we can offer alternatives locally.

This is what Wikipedia writes about the holiday resort: Pučišća is a community and a place on the island Brač in the Split-Dalmatia County in Croatia . Pučišća is often mentioned in lists of the most beautiful smaller places in Europe. The place is mainly for his white limestone from the local ones quarries and for his Stonemasonry known. Pučišća has a population of 1351 inhabitants according to the 2021 census, while the municipality ... etc.

How much advance notice should I take into account when planning appointments?
I'm often asked this and it's always difficult to answer. Roughly speaking, between three to six months and a year. My Google calendar provides an initial overview , in which safely assigned appointments are marked in red. However, this does not automatically mean that the appointments that are not marked in red are still free (private appointments, vacations, etc.). It is best to inquire about free appointments by email or telephone.

I have another question that isn't answered here...
Phone or WhatsApp +49 1577 3060307 or email info@goldschmiede-mansholt.de

Until then, I look forward to seeing you!