Straightforward, without detours. Minimalist, with an impulsive character. Timeless - in time with eternity. Ramon Chaves' knives combine the best materials and top performance with a timeless, no-frills design. The US custom knifemaker with Mexican roots has long since made a name for himself on the international knife scene - not least thanks to the unmistakable skull clip as a trademark. Despite all the success of his company Chaves Knives, the designer remains modest and grateful. In the following, Ramon Chaves reveals the advice he still follows today and why the Boker Mini Redencion closes a circle.
How did you come into contact with knives?
Basically in the classic way, as with most people, through the family environment. My father never left the house without his 3-blade knife. I used to watch him with admiration as he cut out the beautiful lighthouse logo from the front page of our local newspaper for me almost every day with his knife. I was maybe three or four years old at the time. When he gave me my first pocket knife, which was a Boker Tree Brand Slipjoint knife, the fire was finally lit in me.
When did you design your first knife?
I was in the 10th grade of high school. After finding a knife that my uncle had made as a wedding gift for my parents in the 1950s, I started designing my first knife.
How long have you been working as a custom knifemaker?
Since then, I had made a few knives from time to time, which I gave away or even lost. In 2010, a friend approached me with the request to make a knife for him, which he also wanted to pay for.
What is your professional career to date?
After graduating from high school, I worked my way through a wide variety of jobs. I finally settled down with the BNSF railroad company and most recently worked as a train driver.
Is there anyone you would describe as your mentor?
That would be overstating it, as I taught myself most of what I know. When I went to more trade fairs, I regularly met a few good friends from the knife scene who gave me one or two valuable tips on how to build a folding knife.
Where do you see your greatest talent as a knifemaker?
That my designs are consistently characterized by a minimalist and straightforward concept without any frills. So here too, less is more, which doesn't necessarily make things any easier.
Where do the ideas for your designs come from?
The source of my work is immortality as both an inspiration and a requirement. It may sound philosophical, but I take a very pragmatic view. On the one hand, this applies to the construction and the choice of materials, so that my knives become lifelong companions if they are cared for properly. On the other hand, my designs should be timeless and not just represent a certain era.
What do you like most about your work?
What could be better than exchanging ideas with like-minded people who share the same passion for knives? And when I see that my knives are not an end in themselves, but inspire people all over the world, I feel confirmed in my vocation.
Where should you start if you want to make your first knife?
Although I mentioned earlier that I didn't have a mentor, shortly after completing my first knife, I met ABS (American Blade Society) certified master blacksmith Joseph Cordova. I asked him if he could take me under his wing, but he declined with thanks. Nevertheless, he liked my designs and gave me a crucial piece of advice: “Don't use cheap materials, only use the best for your knives!” I can only pass that on.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
Since my knives are increasingly being produced in series, you're more likely to find me behind the computer than at the bench grinder. That's necessary, but not necessarily fulfilling. Because I'm still a custom knifemaker at heart who loves and appreciates the good old knife craft. That's why I'll be devoting more time to individual projects with custom-made products in the future.
Is it easy to order a custom handmade knife from you?
No, unfortunately I don't have the capacity or the time at the moment.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently developing an attractively priced line of my original designs. But always with Joseph Cordova's striking guiding principle in mind: “Don't use shit materials!” The best quality for the money, nothing less is the motto here too. Most recently, I developed the compact and powerful Mini Redencion together with Boker, a kind of heartfelt project as a thank you for my very first pocket knife, which started my passion for knives.
Do you sometimes get fed up with knives?
Not at all. My passion for knives is my mother tongue.
What about your wife? Does she share this passion?
No, when it comes to knives she tends to be emotionally sparing. But she loves our business and dealing with our customers all the more.
Do you still have time for other things besides your extensive work?
Spending time with my wife Lorrie is my top priority. My second great love is my company Chaves Knives.
What's the best way to switch off in your free time?
Due to my job, I don't have much free time at the moment. That's why I spend almost every free minute with my wife.
Do you have any other hobbies that have nothing to do with knives?
Yes, I am a passionate gun collector.
What can't you do at all?
I can't think of anything at the moment. I would say formulating spontaneous answers with complete cluelessness.
What would you even get up in the middle of the night for?
If my family or friends need help.
Is there anything else you would like to pass on to our customers?
My wife Lorrie and I are grateful for each and every one of you. After all, it is you who keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. We are deeply indebted to you for that.
Thank you very much for the interesting insights you have given us into your work.