Kramer

Kramer represents the pinnacle of American kitchen knife craftsmanship, founded in 1993 by Bob Kramer in Bellingham, Washington. Kramer achieved a historic milestone as the first Master Bladesmith to specialize in kitchen cutlery, bringing traditional bladesmithing techniques into the culinary world with unprecedented precision and artistry.

The brand operates on two distinct levels. Bob Kramer's original custom knives are hand-forged masterpieces with a waiting list exceeding ten years, with pieces selling at auction for over $30,000. These collector-grade blades showcase his mastery of Damascus steel patterns and ergonomic design. For those seeking Kramer's design philosophy at a more accessible level, the brand collaborates with Zwilling J.A. Henckels to produce production lines that maintain his exacting standards.

The production knives feature SG2 micro-carbide powder steel cores wrapped in stunning 101-layer Damascus patterns. Each blade is hand-finished in Seki, Japan, using a traditional 3-step process that ensures optimal sharpness and edge retention. The collaboration brings old-world forging techniques together with modern metallurgy, creating knives that deliver exceptional performance in professional and home kitchens alike.

Community sentiment reflects Kramer's elite status in the cutlery world. Industry experts widely consider him the greatest American knifesmith working today, while retailers note how his designs blend old-world craftsmanship with modern precision. Professional chefs and serious home cooks praise the knives' balance, edge-holding ability, and distinctive aesthetics.

Whether you're considering an investment-grade custom piece or a production model backed by a lifetime guarantee, Kramer knives represent a commitment to excellence. The brand specializes in chef's knives and santoku designs, with each blade reflecting decades of refinement in geometry, heat treatment, and finishing techniques that have established Kramer as a benchmark in kitchen cutlery.