Author Archives: Michael Manto

Knife Forging Workshop at Two Smiths

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Michael Manto

I recently signed up for a three day knife forging workshop at Two Smiths in Kitchener. Two Smiths is a blacksmith and coppersmith shop started by Sandra Dunn who has over 30 years experience in the trade. She offers a … Continue reading →

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Another Henckels knife handle repair

Posted on March 3, 2026 by Michael Manto

A lot of customers bring me knives with broken handles to repair, and over the years I’ve repaired a lot of Henckels which tend to crack and lose entire chunks of material from the handle. Last November someone brought me … Continue reading →

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My latest chef’s knife with Japanese style handle

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Michael Manto

I just finished this large chef’s knife. It’s a special custom order for a customer, so this one is already sold, but it is available on backorder. But I’m very happy with how it turned out and wanted to share … Continue reading →

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A lovely blue patina on a high carbon chef’s knife

Posted on December 21, 2025 by Michael Manto

Non-stainless high carbon blades aren’t for everyone, but there are many aficionados who prefer them over stainless steel. High carbon steel can provide a harder blade which can be made much sharper and hold the edge longer than stainless steel. … Continue reading →

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Japanese style Chef’s knife with Wa handle

Posted on December 21, 2025 by Michael Manto

In today’s post I’m sharing photos of my latest creation, a 7″ Chef’s knife with a Japanese style ‘Wa’ handle. Wa handles are partial tang, meaning there is less steel inside the handle, making it lighter. This is one of … Continue reading →

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Elbows Up! Canada

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Michael Manto

In todays post I’m featuring a couple of my handmade BBQ knives and kitchen choppers that I’ve had engraved with Elbows Up! All my knives are entirely made in Canada. We think that’s important in our current political climate. Celebrate … Continue reading →

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Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a handmade kitchen knife

Posted on January 25, 2024 by Michael Manto

For Valentines Day, consider getting that special someone in your life a hand made knife, forged by hand in Canada from reclaimed steel. For today’s post, I want to show off one of my favorite projects that would make for … Continue reading →

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A Hand Forged Kitchen Paring Knife

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Michael Manto

Looking for a unique gift for someone special? Have you considered a paring knife, forged by hand? It doesn’t sound very sexy, I’ll admit, but think about it. The humble paring knife is one of the most frequently used and … Continue reading →

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The Great Lakes Custom Knife Show for 2023 Is Coming!

Posted on July 5, 2023 by Michael Manto

*** I’m excited to announce that I will be an exhibitor at the Great Lakes Custom Knife Show coming next month, August 19. Come by and visit me at my table, and spend the day in beautiful Goderich Ontario. About … Continue reading →

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Fun Fridays – what makes for a happy marriage?

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Michael Manto

I like making up humorous posts when I’m up early with a coffee, when it’s still too early in the morning to start hammering on steel…at least, not if I don’t want to wake up the whole neighbourhood. And I … Continue reading →

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