From Chef to Knifemaker – How a love for knives became a lifelong craft
What sparked your passion for knifemaking, and what made you decide to share your journey on YouTube?
Being a former chef, I automatically had a deep sense of appreciation for knives. The moment when I grew curious about how to make one was when I walked into a Japanese cutlery store across the street from my restaurant and was blown away by the craftsmanship. That’s when I started trying things on my off days and seeing if I could do it. It’s been six years of making knives, and personally for me, if there is one thing aside from sharing craftsmanship, it is sharing a story. All of us innately gravitate towards a beautiful story whatever it might be. I wanted to travel and start sharing stories of chefs while also staying true to my passion of making knives.
If you could design a knife inspired by a movie or video game, what would it look like and why?
Thats easy. Elden Ring – Rivers of Blood. Why? Because its a BEAST.
The Majime Chronicles
Trial, Error & Triumph – Lessons learned from failures and “aha!” moments
What’s your go-to material for making knives, and have you ever experimented with something totally wild?
As far as steel… it all really depends. Quite honestly I do not have a favourite steel because of the handle characteristics, the shape of the blade, and many variables that change the outlook of the final result. It must have a synergy that connects. I think for me, aside from function, it is more about how you express the knife in its art form that makes it stand out. The wildest thing I have messed with was a material for handles that had powdered metal in it… it was a total failure.
What has been your biggest “aha!” moment in knifemaking and YouTubing?
My biggest “aha!” moment is not actually when I get an awesome reaction from the chef, or the technical side of making knives. The “aha!” moment was when I realized that relying on one thing is not the only form of personal milestones or success. The “aha!” moment is knowing that taking risks is the biggest form of joy even in failure.
How do you keep your audience entertained and engaged? Any secret tips for building a loyal fanbase?
Be creative, be passionate, share your failures. Ultimately knife makers make knives… show your audience your capability.
Advice for Aspiring Knifemakers – Finding your voice, honing your craft, and making a living
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring knifemakers, what would it be?
My biggest piece of advice is that knife making is a business. Your goal is to make something that you love and have potential customers so that in the end you can support yourself and your family financially. Do not compare yourself to other makers, do not hold back on sharing how the knife performs… this is a big one. Share your failures. Be inspired by other makers but don’t be in their shadow.. find a way to put your own twist in things to stand out. Find a way to contribute to your community with your business. And above all, and this is just me personally, strengthen your strengths and not your weaknesses in the craft. If you’re great at something, make it greater.
What’s next for Majime?
What’s next on your creative journey? Any exciting projects or collaborations we should look out for?
My next creative journey is just continuing to work on long-form content for primarily Youtube. I see this as the best way for me to share my passion. On the plus side, it brings me joy, so I am just gonna stick with it.