18+
Charlie Vanhinsbergh, Founder of V Knives
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I get great pleasure from crafting custom handmade knives. Having been a carpenter for almost 50 years, working in various aspects of the trade, I have acquired a great love and appreciation for tools. In the course of my work I would sometimes have to make a tool for a specific purpose, and my passion for knife making has developed from this. I love a tool that does the job, and a knife, as a basic tool, is something that most people use daily. To have your own handmade knife is something special.
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My knifemaking skills are largely self-taught, through trial and error and much practice. I do all the work myself using basic tools and equipment, creating my handmade knives from start to finish. Some knives will follow a specific design, while others are more free-flow, developing a life of their own - the knife suggests where it should go, follows its own course, and I feel impelled to go along with it. There is something really satisfying about seeing a design come to life.
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Throughout history the knife has been an invaluable tool, and therefore has developed many styles to accomplish the varied tasks. I get inspiration from these, in particular the knives that are used daily, such as utility knives and kitchenware, and try to weave them into my modern designs.
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I enjoy working with carbon steels as the blades, through use, each develop a character of their own. Over time a natural patina will form on the surface of the steel which gives protection to the blade and brings a unique beauty to every knife. When it comes to handle material I generally prefer to use wood, as I have worked with it all my life. It never ceases to amaze me what a beautiful product it can be, and I love the stuff.
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Although I produce a range of handmade knives I am happy to work with a customer to make a knife to their own design, or to help in developing a custom design with them, to produce their own personal handmade knife.
- Charlie Vanhinsbergh, Founder of V Knives