Antonio Fogarizzu

Knife maker

©Sofia Fogarizzu

©Davide Melis

©Francesco Pachi

©Davide Melis

The art of knife making

Antonio made his first knife aged 14
He forges the steel for each knife he creates
His knives are inspired by life

Antonio Fogarizzu grew up in a small town in Sardinia. He comes from a family of artisan ironworkers who have been practicing their craft since 1885. Antonio spent many summers in the workshop with his father learning the art, and his most prized possession is the first knife he made and sold when he was 14. Feeling the need to see the world beyond Sardinia, he left for England after graduating from high school. He was drawn back to Sardinia, and when he returned, he began learning in earnest the techniques of knife construction and design. Antonio crafts the traditional Sardinian knives of his hometown but with a distinctive international touch influenced by his years living abroad.

Where

Interview

©Sofia Fogarizzu

©Sofia Fogarizzu

What caused you to follow this path?: My passion for this work is practically innate and wasn't caused by external factors or events. I grew up in a town and a family filled with great artisans doing this craft for almost 150 years. My father's teaching was crucial for my future knowledge.
Where do you find inspiration?: I believe that everything and nothing influences my creations. Every moment of my life makes some small impact: every page I’ve read, every image I’ve seen, every word I’ve exchanged, every moment of silence, and every emotion I’ve felt. In short, life is my creative inspiration.
What is expressed in your work?: Tradition is undoubtedly expressed in my work through the quality of the finishes that I rigorously carry out by hand. Innovation can also be found in my constant research and experimentation with new materials and ways of manufacturing that I sometimes adopt from different crafts.
What do you think about apprenticeships?: I would like to have apprentices and am willing to teach, but so far, no one has asked me! I believe that the newer generations are aiming for different kinds of jobs and are less inclined to have the passion, dedication, and patience required to learn this skill.

Antonio Fogarizzu is a master artisan: he began his career in 1992 and he started teaching in 2015