Steel, skill and self-instruction
- Korben is an entirely self-taught blacksmith and knife maker
- He likes to combine rough materials with polished precision
- He makes knives as well as knife making tools
What began as a hobby with heating metal on a barbecue gradually grew into a full-time practice for Korben Bloomfield. His experimental approach is grounded in entirely self-led trial, error and research into metallurgy. Korben designs and forges his own steel, often working with his brother, and makes knives that are both practical tools and beautiful objects. He favours natural textures and materials, and prefers to blend rough, forged finishes with crisp, polished edges. Whether it is a chef’s knife or a custom project, each piece reflects his devotion to detail, function and form.
INTERVIEW
I have always liked making and trying different things. In 2014, I tried working with metal by hammering on a brick, and adding heat with a barbecue and hair dryer. I never got bored of experimenting. From that point I just kept going, bit by bit, figuring it out by myself.
I am entirely self-taught. I watched what I could find on YouTube and read metallurgy papers. It was mostly trial and error, test and tweak. I also talk to experienced steel suppliers, and have learnt what works and what does not thanks to their advice.
I like rough materials with character, like wrought iron, which I laminate with high-performance steel like Apex Ultra. It holds a sharp edge, but the texture comes from forging. I like the contrast of raw texture and polish, as long as it is natural, and not faked.
I have been making and selling knife-making tools, and I am gradually making more and more unique chef’s knives. I recently did a big collaboration with Jelle Hazenberg and Magdy Bauer on a custom forged blade, carved handle, and leather sheath, which was a year in the making.
