Cédric Lamballais

Knife maker

The finesse of cutlery making

Cédric makes traditional handmade cutlery in his workshop in Brittany
He applies the farrier and blacksmithing techniques taught by his grandfather to make knives
His pieces are appreciated for their design but especially for their high quality of sharpness and durability

Cédric Lamballais comes from Brittany and naturally followed his grandfather’s path as a blacksmith. “He was my first master, introducing me to blacksmithing when I was 15 years old. He showed me how to heat iron and taught me to make my first hammer, which I still have in the workshop today.” Cédric later perfected his skills with local ironmonger artisans before carrying out an apprenticeship in cutlery making. Today he creates handmade knives, mastering all stages from drawing and forging, to adjusting, polishing and sharpening of the blade, along with making handles from leather, wood and bespoke cases for knives. Passionate about reproducing historical pieces, Cédric reinterprets traditions to suit today's tastes. He was selected to be a master in the Homo Faber Fellowship 2023-24 edition and is recognised for regularly transmitting his skills to the next generation of knife makers.

Interview

When did you realise you would become a blacksmith?: I am like Obelix from the comics, I felt it in my bones when I was young as I helped my grandfather in the workshop. I was fascinated by the fire and the transformation of iron and steel, the hammer and anvil, and creating an object by impacting the material.
Does being located in Brittany influence the way you work?: I believe so. Brittany has a strong history of metalwork, notably with the Paimpont smithies. Although ironwork is not our region's preferred craft, there has always been a strong presence of forges in our region and a large-scale production of tools.
Why is transmitting your skills to others important to you?: Technology has greatly democratised our know-how but has also skewed the perception of our craft, as digital sharing does not allow the passing on and experimentation that come from practising our skills and observing our 'elders' live. It takes time and practice to master every stage.
Could you share a key moment of your journey as a cutlery maker?: In 2022, for the first time in the world, a team competition was organised around the art of forging and damascus steel. I participated with artisans Gérard Almuzara and Eric Raoult and we came first. It was a superb moment of sharing and surpassing oneself.

Cédric Lamballais is a master artisan: he began his career in 2006 and he started teaching in 2006