Nothing Sharper Than Steelport
Fancy a last-minute holiday gift? Something to ring in the New Year? I have long been a cook but, admittedly, have been well behind the curve on understanding the importance of a good chef's knife. Skipping to the head of the class now, and while looking for a good knife for a close friend for the holidays, my education on the difference between Japanese, German, Chinese, and American-made chef's knives has come to the forefront. And the winner has been a surprise: Steelport. Locally made, handcrafted, each one of a kind, the Steelport chef's knife is a true fusion of everything great about the aforementioned cradles of knife, handle, and blade-making knowledge.
But how did I come to all of this? I had been trying to find a good chef's knife for my girlfriend and had been to several local knife shops. No question, there are some fantastic knives out there. Yet each type of knife seemed to have some minor or significant limitation. Japanese blades are very hard but also brittle, prone to chip. German blades are softer, heavier, and less likely to chip but go dull faster. But then I happened into Steelport Knife Co. A factory through and through, there's no actual retail area. Instead, you're just "in the factory" upon entrance. You know you are somewhere right away, a place where beautiful things are being made. And that's when I got to meet Steelport Founder and CEO Ron Khormaei, PhD. Talk about someone with genuine passion, incredible experience and knowledge, and an awe-inspiring approach to building the perfect chef's knife. To say I was "in school" that day is an understatement. Blending in Steelport's Co-founder and Bladesmith, Eytan Zias, I think we're witnessing the world's most potent power-duo of knife making right here in Stumptown.
Every knife coming out of the Steelport factory in Portland, Oregon, is unique. Each locally-sourced maple handle is slightly different; each blade's application of coffee patina is a little varied vs. another. You hold in your hand a work of very functional art. Image: Dan Meyers
“I’ve created the knife that I would want for myself. The past 25 years of professionally using, sharpening, and selling knives – including speaking with thousands of customers to understand their likes and dislikes – combined with the invaluable knowledge gained from hand forging my own knives, has led me down a path to now confidently contribute something both truly original and sought-after in the kitchen knife market.”
Marrying the ergonomics and quality of a German handle, the age-old craftsmanship of a Japanese blade, and the actual toughness of American-forged carbon steel, the innovation, and uniqueness of the locally handmade 8-inch Steelport chef's knife is the perfect marriage. Steelport's knife is a functional, high-quality chef's knife; it is also an instant heirloom. Backed by a lifetime guarantee, Steelport knives are showcase-beautiful and will undoubtedly pass from generation to generation while picking up the marks and color of use along the way. Take note of the following unique elements:
The details of this masterpiece of a knife explained. Image: Steelport Knife Co.
The five different stages of building a Steelport 8” Chef’s Knife. To handle each one of these at the factory was special. To own one of these knives? Above and beyond. Image: Dan Meyers
A truly telling statement on the wall at Steelport. I saw no corner cutting here…only a strict adherence to quality and hand-crafted uniqueness. Image: Dan Meyers
Some more finishe product. Just gorgeous and so well-balanced when in-hand. Image: Dan Meyers
Some Extra Steelport Details
One of the neatest aspects of buying a Steelport knife is visiting the factory where the blades are under construction. Knifemaking is going on all around, from handle shaping on lathes to other, more steely elements. It’s all quite educational and telling regarding the care and quality at play. Find some details below on their website, location, etc. Enjoy!
Steelport Knife Co. Website
The Knife Shop Online
Location on Google Maps
The Steelport Promise (Warranty)