Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Sofia.
Hi chris, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a custom knife maker, it’s funny because I wasn’t allowed to have knives as a kid. I’ve always been interested in the craft, I was in between jobs a while back and figured I’d make a logo and a website just to add to the mystery of the gray area in my resume. Quickly, the craft took hold of me and down the rabbit hole we went
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth seas don’t often make good sailors, if I had hit a stride early on I’m sure I would have gotten a big ego and ‘retired’ before I ever really got started.
I just jumped right in as full time, I do that, go all in immediately if it resonates, up until this I never had a real desire, pull, or calling.
It was equally frustrating and beautiful to try with one thousand percent of my budding potential and be so proud of what came as a result, but still to know I could do better, because I learned more each and every time.
I refuse to quit – grinding all day, emptying the tank to only push harder and farther the next day with less resources, this isn’t about knife making its about finding what I’m not, because what’s left is all I am.
it’s a beautiful struggle, packed with meaning and value, it’s not for everyone though.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
when I say I am a knife maker, people think of the dirty guy at the flea market selling afhgani damascus, with like 97 daggers hiding in a coat and some dumb leather bracelet, maybe a silly hat… that’s not me at all.
I am a chef knife maker, I love crafting one of a kind heirloom quality pieces that will hold a special place in the everyday life, that will be a part of a growing family and legacy. I love the idea of being invited over into your family, and sharing space and time
My biggest asset is time; I’m not scared to use it, I’m not scared to start early or work late to stay on schedule. Once I stop working, the knife will be that way forever, so why not spend a little more time? It’s a lot harder to justify cutting a corner when you invite labor intensive steps early on.
Talent is an anomaly; you’ll get some good results but can’t replicate them without a process. A solid process will allow you to take your natural skills to a professional level, and will reinforce quality when facing uncertainty. I’m a craftsmen, the world needs handmade items to remind then how beautiful and finite our time here can be. Long after I am gone, my work will remain.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
not too great, kind of a shit head honestly. I knew I had potential but didn’t know how to extract it and I felt like everyones burden. Knife making has allowed me to challenge and or reaffirm who I am, and like my process we are slowly removing what we don’t need to reveal our true beauty underneath
Pricing:
- very expensive, very fair
- Money doesn’t burn itself and you can’t take it with you
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.HumbleBlades.com
- Instagram: @humbleblades
