Pekka Tuominen

Knife maker

©Yrjö Korhonen

©Francesco Pachi

©Pekka Tuominen

When a passion leads to a profession

Pekka values simplicity and style
His work has a two year waiting list
He is known for the puukko knife, a traditional Finnish knife

If you ask Pekka Tuominen about the origin of his passion for knives, he doesn’t have a simple answer. It's about tradition, but also the timelessness of the object, as well as its clean lines and simplicity, and the feel of polished steel. What started as a hobby when he was a child led to formal studies at the age of 18 and then a degree. Realising that becoming a master requires complete commitment, he started working as a full-time professional bladesmith in 2004, in his current workshop. Still, he feels there is always room for improvement, which for him means a constant process of trying, making mistakes and learning.

Where

Interview

©Ilari Mehtonen

©Pekka Tuominen

How do you express tradition and innovation?: Tradition inspires me and plays a big role in making knives. It is hard to create something new. But I always try to give them something particular – my style. To me, lines are important. I also try to keep the object as simple as possible, and give it a finishing touch.
What surprises people about your work?: People think making knives means forging. But, 90 per cent of it is grinding and polishing. I’m trying to be good in all areas, from blade forging to sheath sewing. My special skills are mosaic patterned welded blades and leather sheaths.
What would you advise a young person wanting to enter your profession?: You need passion. It takes time to become well known enough to make a living out of it. First, study some other art form or handicraft. Then, start making knives part-time. If it feels right, go for it. Finland only has a few full-time professionals making handmade knives.
What memory do you especially cherish in your career?: In 2012, I got the Art Award of the Art Committee of Northern Savolax. I understood that the knife, a basic tool, can also be art. And in 2018, I was named Artisan of the Year, the first knife maker to ever receive the award. It felt like I had done something right.

Pekka Tuominen is a master artisan: he began his career in 2003 and he started teaching in 2007