Hey Guys,

I just received the knife this morning. It is beautiful. It has been a delight to use thus far, and I look forward to using it the rest of my career. Thanks for your craftsmanship, it is truly remarkable!
CCK
Executive Chef

Bob, I have now had my new knife for almost two months, and I must tell you that you Sir, are a home-wrecker....or at least a kitchen wrecker and all my old knives now hate you. Ever since this new knife waltzed into my life, she has destroyed the previous harmony of our kitchen. Now all the old knives do is snivel and whine: "You like her better; you never take us out anymore; you haven't honed us for weeks; all you use us for is to chop liver...."

Okay, maybe I do gaze at the new knife with fawning adoration....hardly able to walk by her without taking her out of her (and her's alone!) special holder; admiring her graceful curves, the way she sparkles in the sunlight, (carefully) caressing her razor sharp edge..... Yes, Henckels, Shun, LamsonSharp, Sabatier, Mac....they were all good in their day and in their own way, but they seem dull and tawdry in comparison to my new kitchen companion. The old knives complain that I have kicked them to the back of the block for a "trophy knife". But no, this is no flash-in-the-pan blade affair. This is a "knife-long" relationship. My only regret Bob, is that I wish you had introduced us when she was still a cheap date....sigh.

Seriously, now that I have had a chance to learn this knife, I am simply amazed. I know I wrote in before, but now that I have used this knife daily for two months, I can even more appreciate its astounding qualities. Whatever you do with these knives, they are simply magical. Thanks so much for creating this truly functional work of art. And Chris, thanks again for all your kind and efficient help. A job well-done!
--
Paul S.

Hi Chris,

The knife is perfect, the wood handle beautiful. My wife is so happy, and is mincing with confidence. Thank you very much, for the knife, the great customer service, everything.

Sincerely,
Joseph


I received my long-awaited knife on Monday and I must tell you how disappointed I am.....disappointed that I did not order more than one! I have now prepped three dinners with this knife and it truly does live up to its reputation. Perfect balance, heft, scary sharp and beautiful to look at. It is a work of art. I have other knives in my block that I previously considered pretty good, (Shun, Henckels, Mac, Lamsonsharp), but this knife leaves them in the dust. Thank you!!!

Paul

Dear Bob & Chris,

Probably the only thing I ever looked forward to for three years as much as my new knife must have been my drivers license (which I received on my 16th birthday, way back in 1970). My expectations were of course high, especially after purchasing and using two of the Kramer knives in Sur la Table´s Shun series.

But not even in my wildest dreams ...

Upon seeing the new 10" chef´s knife, I was almost afraid to use it. But I quickly dropped the framed-glass-box-with-built-in-alarm-system idea, and now I am using the knife every time I cook. The knife is beautiful, and amazing to work with.

I just want to thank Bob for an astounding "job well done", and of course Chris for all the leg work (including giving clear answers to an arsenal of questions).

Two small problems:

1) It´s difficult sleeping at night knowing the knife is over 50 feet away. I am considering putting my knife bag under the bed, but my wife is uneasy about the whole idea.

2) I just wonder how the utility knife, the boning knife and of course the bread knife would feel if I ever got my hands on them ...

All the best,
Craig

Hey Chris. I hope this email finds you well and enjoying a marvelous spring!

First off, my 6" Bob Kramer Chef's Knife FINALLY found its way to me in Paris yesterday, and...well, I am sure there are words (words like 'astonishing' and 'magnificent'...yeah, words like that), however at the moment I am having trouble finding them. ;-) Please convey my gratitude, respect, and utter delight to Bob, and my thanks to you as well for making the entire process so smooth.

K²


It's been a year since I got my knife and it truly has changed the way I approach cooking. Is it possible for a knife to give you confidence? I think so. A knife is a tool of a professional chef and in this past year I've really felt myself embracing a sense of professionalism I feel I was lacking before. Several times I've walked into a new kitchen and had someone say "Is that a Kramer?" It always attracts an admiring crowd. It seems silly to say, but if a chef's knife is the mark of serious professional then my Kramer makes me feel like a Samurai warrior coming in to do battle...with food! So thanks again to Bob for giving me my "sword" and the confidence to do good things with it.

JL

Dear Bob,

After waiting 2.5 years, I just received my 8" chef's knife with redwood handle. It is absolutely beautiful in everyway. More than anything, it has a perfect feel in the hand. Holding the knife for the first time was like shaking the hand of someone who would become a lifelong friend. I went right for a refrigerated onion and made paper thin slices with remarkable ease. It was as if not a single cell was deformed, but rather each was sliced perfectly in two. I will definitely be retiring my mandolin! It is comforting to think that I will have this blade forever.

I really appreciate the craftsmanship. In general, it's great to see someone doing something they love with a high level of skill and pride. This is evident in your work. If everyone could simply find the one they do better than anything else, and do that thing the best they can, the world would be a much different one. I congratulate you on finding your place and doing the thing you were certainly meant to do.

I like your philosophy that the energy put into the blade translates to those who use it. Know that I will use your knife with love and generosity to nourish those I care for.

By the way, the 2.5 year wait was not at all a problem. I understand that anything good cannot be rushed.

Best,
NS

Hi Chris,

We have already received the knife! Thank you for all your assistance. It is absolutely beautiful...worth the wait. Please pass on our thanks to Bob for doing a beautiful job. John, whom the knife is for, hasn't used it yet - he's in awe and showing it to all his friends...it's quite a thing for a chef to brag about :) I think that we'll have to have a special dinner to make it's first cut.

Thanks again,
Erin


Dear Bob,

I want to thank you for making me such a great knife last June and for signing the handle at your Sur La Table knife skills class in Newport Beach in November. It was great to meet you.

I don't know how you can make such a perfect knife. I expected a very very good knife with some allowances for handwork. I didn't expect for the knife to be flawless. I had high expectations but those were exceeded by a mile. I don't know if I have more fun using the knife or showing it off to people that come by the house.

I just wish I had ordered more from you when I placed my order 3 years ago. That said, I really only need 3 knives when they are as sharp as they are. In a pinch I could get rid of them all except for my custom 9 inch and be a very happy guy.

Thank you so much and I wish the best for you.
MC

Bob,

First: Thank You. I just used the knife on a pepper and I am very impressed and obviously extremely pleased. The feel and performance are amazing. The look of the handle personifies the Earth in my opinion, and the Damascus pattern is stunning. I couldn't be more pleased. I am on your waiting list and cannot wait to come up with some knives with you down the road. Thank you, again. Have a great night.

Best,
S.

Hi Chris and Bob,

The paring knife arrived last week and I just want to say that I love all my Kramer knives. They make the preparation of each meal a little more special. I know they are an extravagance, but as useful a one as I can imagine. Someday I hope to get another, so I can leave one to each of my children.

Thanks again,
Jay

JUST GOT MY KNIFE!

Thank you guys so much for this amazing tool! I can't say enough about how great your work/art is! I want to tell all my friends, and customers but how will I ever be able to get back to the top of your waiting list! (Boning knife next)

Thanks again,
Dan

dear chris and bob,

i think i should have emailed earlier...

the knives are beyond amazing. excellent balance, excellent sharpness, tremendous power. and as for appearance, the knives i received are absolutely in first place. and for that matter, i don't think i have ever seen a knife worthy of second place behind kramer knives. you are way out in front of the pack. best point of course is performance in the kitchen. i find them effortless in use. wow!!! far beyond my expectation and way beyond well worth the wait. thank you so much. i consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to receive these two knives from you.

very best wishes to everyone at kramer knives.

thank you
lf

Hi Bob & Chris,

I received the 7", 8", 9" & 10" knives on Monday. Wow, are they beautiful. I've spent some time using them, too - and what a delight.

I noticed that in the wood selections you chose for each blade, you chose a wood grain or characteristic that was inherent in the makeup of the particualr damascus formation: The more ornate & frenzied the layers of steel, the more ornate & frenzied the handle. Also, I've noticed that there is a certain heft to your knives, but not at the expense of agility & nimbleness. The balance is just amazing. I even appreciate the unique sound or timbre that your knives produce - very different from the sounds that my pedestrian knives are capable of.

Thank you,
MR

Hello Chris

A belated thank you to you and Bob that is long overdue! I did receive the three knives a few months ago and have been using them with great pleasure ever since, as have all my kids who are amazed every time they use them. My only regret is that I didn't order a paring knife - - so whenever Bob gets back to taking orders again, I would like to put my request in for a paring knife!

Thanks a lot.
DP

Hello Bob,

I don't know if you remember me. My name is Jeff and I purchased a 10" chefs knife from you back in 2004 when you were located in Ferndale. I was working at Fino Wine Bar at the time. I came in to get my cooks knives sharpened and was so impressed with your work I ordered one of your knives. 6 months later I recived my knife and have been working with it everyday since. Now I am working at Bastille Cafe in Seattle with some of the best cooks in the city and everyone is jealous of my knife. And they own some nice knives. I can't believe the ability the knife has to keep its edge. I have only had it sharped once since I bought it (sent it in to you of course) and it is still sharper than any knife I have ever used. I do have to steel it a bit more often than other knives, a small price to pay for the scary sharp edge it keeps. I wanted to wait to send an e-mail to thank you until I was sure the knife had an amazing life span. I have owned a lot of knifes I was happy with for a year or so until either the edge just wasn't what it was when I bought it or until the new best thing came on the market. Well now it has been 5 years and I couldn't be happier with it. So thanks again Bob, and if you make your way to Seattle anytime soon come in to Bastille Cafe and I will show you my appreciation in person, and you will be treated as a VIP of course.

Thank you
Jeff

I love my knife so much that I'm regretting not getting one with a Damascus blade. At the time the extra money seemed significant but with the knife in hand the performance plus the additional beauty of the Damascus presents a compelling story.

I know that Bob is backed up with orders but as soon as you start a new 'list' for future orders I'd appreciate it if you could add me to the list.

Currently your biggest fan in the NYC area

Hi -

I received one of your chef knives as a gift a month or so ago. I am not a professional cook, but a serious amateur. The knife is the most extraordinary instrument I have ever touched. It immediately offered the "feel" of an old friend. The quality and degree of craftsmanship is boggling. It is the most exquisite implement in my kitchen and first thing I would rescue from a burning building. I cherish it.

Larry

Dear Bob and Chris,

I wanted to let you know I received my three knives earlier this week and the are truly great. The cutting performance, the balance, shape and finish are very special. In fact, if you can put me in the line again for several additional knives, I would be very happy.

Bob: Just wanted to let you know that your knives arrived safely and to say thank you. They're truly incredible, both as tools and as art. Your choice of woods, balancing the dark and light with the gleam of the blades, is not only beautiful, but is a perfect corollary for the interplay between the shell, slate and wood of a go set, just as we discussed.

I wanted to give my new knives a workout so I took them to Miriam's Kitchen this morning. Miriam's - where I volunteer a couple times a month -- serves breakfast to the homeless every weekday just a few blocks from the White House (First Lady Michelle Obama dropped by recently to help out and draw attention to Miriam's focus on healthy, cooked-from-scratch food; see reports below). I am very happy to report that the knives helped me make short work of very large piles of onions and peppers for our special homefries. They feel as though you crafted them just for my hand; they're substantial, yet incredibly light and perfectly balanced. They also impressed Steve Badt, the former high-end restaurant chef who runs Miriam's with an iron hand and who doesn't impress easily. For years now I've been Steve's Omelet Man; thanks to your knives I may be now be promoted to Chopping Man. I'm okay with that.

So you can add a DC soup kitchen to the places where Kramer knives are preparing good food. I look forward to many years of using your knives to cook for family and friends around the world, and will think of you (and my good friend and fellow cook Phil, who gave me the knives) every single time I use them. Perhaps someday we'll even have a chance to cook together.

Thanks again!

Bob,

After several years wait, I recently received my 8" Damascus Chef's knife. I absolutlely adore it and look forward to cooking anything just so I can use the knife. I've had a few professional chefs in my house who have tried it out and they are green with envy. You must know what's coming next. I've got to have another one, a smaller utility knife, probably 6" with the same materials as my 8" Chef's knife. I see one on your web site that looks perfect. Would you please put me on your list again? I know it's long, but I'd like to get back in line.

Jo

This knife was like nothing else I've ever handled—unbelievably well balanced, with an extra-fat boxwood elder grip that just feels deliciously ... right. I've never wielded a lightsaber, but I imagine the experience is somewhat similar. Every time I picked it up, I chuckled with delight. The vegetables effectively diced themselves. The knife slid through raw meat without compressing—or even seeming to touch—the flesh. Slicing a hard French saucisson for my guests, the blade wedged itself into my wood-cutting board. And as I was drying it after use (the steel is carbon, not stainless, so it starts to oxidize within minutes of exposure to moisture), it severed a dish towel.

Jonathan Tepperman
Newsweek, Culture September 1, 2009

Chris:

I am jotting down my thoughts as I use Bob's knives and will forward them to you in the near future. These knives are so sharp, they almost approach spiritual in nature. It really drives home the point that the closer you come to perfection, even the use of most basic of tools will become an awe inspiring experience.

Thanks again,
RD

Dear Bob,

I received your beautifully crafted knives Friday. And as difficult as it was to not put them in a display case just to be admired, I have started using them for cooking chores. Oh what a pleasure they are to use!
When I first sliced vegetables I thought I wasn't cutting all the way through because the vegetables looked as if they weren't cut at all. The knives are so sharp, they cut so cleanly, that when the blade is removed from one cut to go onto the next cut the surface moisture bonds the previously cut surfaces together giving the appearance that they weren't cut at all!
I look forward to the enjoyment of using these beautifully crafted tools for many years!

Thank you Bob.
Richard

Chris & Master Bob,

I can't thank you enough for your quick turn-a-round on correcting my knife order. I told my 12 year old daughter that one of these days, if I can ever part with them, I would pass them to her, and she would have the privilege of passing them on to her children. I just can't quite come up with the proper words to describe it. I know it's just a knife, but it's not just a knife to me. A handcrafted beauty, made right here in America. Amazing. Thank you.

RJ.

I apologize for being so slow to send you this note. The knife arrived and is spectacular. Despite what I thought were unrealistically high expectations, I was shocked at how much better your knife feels in my hand than the 10" Wusthoff that I have been using. The balance is incredible (and of course it is pretty sharp, too!). It was well worth the wait, and I appreciate what you did to get it to me.

All the best,
Bob

Dear Mr. Kramer,

I write as a woman indebted to your skills as a master bladesmith and matchmaker. My former boyfriend, and now FIANCÉ Steve had the good sense to forgo a ring and purchase me the best kitchen tool a girl could ever hope for, and you had the kind heart and the skills to make that happen. He is a smart kid, and you are a wonderful man for make such amazing knives and putting in extra hours to make me my own little treasure.

My knife not only slices carrots like they are butter, but it is also drop dead gorgeous. The words "unparalleled craftsmanship" come to mind. I am especially fond of the piece of wood you chose for the handle, especially because I feel like you chose it just for me.

Steve may have told you that he proposed at my aunt and uncle's property. My aunt and uncle are both artists, and I could hardly sleep the night we got engaged, due in large part to the anticipation of showing them the art that you produce. Unsurprisingly, they were favorably impressed.

Several people have encouraged us not to use the knife until we cut our wedding cake. The idea is quaint, I suppose, but I simply could not tolerate shelving a knife meant for endless kitchen use for a full year. Thus, the knife has been hard at work. I still get weak in the knees every time I cut an onion. I get the giggles when I glide through a tomato. I had no idea it could be this way! I am a girl in a constant swoon whenever I'm in the kitchen, and it's because of your knife!

Utility and aesthetics aside, I would be remiss if I did not tell you that I am really touched by your willingness to go above and beyond to make me something that is really special to me, even though you simply did not have the time. Rings and jewelry really don't do much for me, but I look forward to the day when I can tell my grandkids the story behind my sixty year old knife, and have them secretly wonder when the heck I'm going to kick the bucket so that coveted piece of cutlery can finally be theirs.

I guess what I'm trying to say is thank you, although that hardly seems sufficient. I now have the best guy and the best knife in the world, and I owe it to you. I am ever grateful, and look forward to meeting you at the wedding.

Emma
Bride to be and proud owner of a real deal Kramer knife.

Bob,

I wanted to drop you a little note to tell you about my fantastic experience I have had using your knives. I received an 8" chef blade for my 30th birthday in 2000 and have to this day made it my only piece of cutlery in the kitchen; I cook routinely so the knife gets plenty of use. I use a steel on the edge about twice a week and have only had it sharpened by you once about 4 years ago. I will say due the sharpness I have had a couple miss-haps to my fingers, with one resulting in an ER visit. I rave to all my family and friends about Kramer knives and actually make them cut with it when they come over for dinner. Its hard to think that a knife could be too sharp, but I have had people say that it scares them and they are afraid to use it, CRAZY! Thanks for the quality knife!!

D

Bob,

I received your piece of artistry, and want to thank you for the
expedient shipping and excellent craftsmanship. Rarely does the quality
meet the value like it does with this purchase, and although this is the
most I have ever spent on a knife, I feel like I completely got my
moneys worth.

Thanks again,
JP

Mr. Kramer,

Our Kramer knives arrived in fine condition and are absolutely stunning. The evaluations we have seen do not overstate these handsome tools. Many thanks.

R. M.

Cooks Illustrated

What do you get when you spend $475 on a chef's knife? You get handmade custom work by Master Bladesmith Bob Kramer of Olympia, Wash. Is this knife markedly better than the competition? According to our testers, yes. The Kramer knife outperformed every knife we've ever rated. Testers found it exceptionally comfortable, sharp, and agile.

Kramer, a former professional chef, is one of only 97 Master Bladesmiths in America, having passed the American Bladesmith Society's rigorous series of tests. Unlike most bladesmiths, Kramer makes only kitchen cutlery. He uses a carbon steel that is harder than most kitchen knives. It will rust and discolor if you don't keep it clean and dry, but the blade is especially sharp and proved durable in our tests.

So why do his knives cost so much? Kramer heat-treats the blades, one at a time, in a seven-step process that takes six hours. He also makes the handles, polishing equatorial burl wood. As for the manufactured knives made by the competition, Kramer says, "It's like comparing Twinkies to a Grand Marnier soufflé." We agree, but that's one expensive soufflé.

Cooks Illustrated March 2007

Hi Bob,

I love the 10" chefs knife and Veggie you sent me last year. It took me a long time before I decided to use them... but I finally broke down and have been using them now for several months. I have many custom kitchen knives made by some of the best makers around but nothing comes close to the balance, beauty and performance of your knives. For one knife to have the best of ALL three attributes is highly unusual... but you knew that didn't you?
Your knives are truly exceptional, no BS, The Damascus Veggie cleaver is however in my knife case.

D. E.

Hey Bob,

Just a note to express my joy in owning/using my custom Damascus 9" chef's knife. The construction is superb... beautiful, super sharp, perfect balance. As a surgeon, I'm very sensitive to fine cutting instruments. My custom knife from you is far and away the finest of any I own. Superior balance, amazing sharpness and cutting ability, magnificent craftsmanship, beautiful design and materials. Let's not mince words, this knife ROCKS. I'm looking forward to purchasing a second knife from you soon. Thanks for your good work,

P. K., MD

I think it was four or five years ago that your 8" chef's knife was given to me as a gift. This was just after the Saveur article so there was quite a wait. At any rate, I have been using your knife everyday in a production environment, and it has been FLAWLESS!! The edge never goes away ( with proper steeling and only occasional sharpening) and it still feels like a dream in my hands, everyday :).

Thx again for all your hard work and passion.

Sincerely,
R. H.

Bob,

The cooks are all passing around the knife - mesmerized. It's so beautiful and it feels sooo good in my hand, not only the way the handle fits, but the perfect balance and the exquisite degree of polish. Left handed too! It will be prominent in the photos.
I have a feeling I will not want to give it up - if I can purchase it.

Thanks!
Jerry
The Herbfarm

I've used your knives for almost six years now, and I own six of them, and, honestly, they have changed the way I approach cooking. Mundane tasks, like cutting shallots without juicing them, or mirepoix... are all raised way past mundane, I find pleasure in using the tools and creating a perfectly cut 1/16th inch shallot....or,even shaving a white truffle better that any mandoline, just with the heel of my 9" chef's knife. Some folks call it art, but I see pure craftsmanship in your work, and pure craftsmanship is honest.

Erik
Bandol

It's rare these days that a service exceeds expectations. You're sharpening service certainly exceeded my expectations. The knives are completely different in feel and much more beautiful.

John

Bob,

Just wanted to let you know I love the knife! It is perfectly balanced, is the sharpest knife or equal to the sharpest knives I've ever used, not to mention it is absolutely gorgeous. Moreover, it holds its edge better than any knife I've used. I have used it everyday since receiving it, and have only to hone it. Well worth the wait and the money.

Chef Alan Narvaez- Forte

Thanks for the great knives. I have been using them. I love them! I even love simply holding them. They even feel right . Using your knives reminds me of a quote:

"A mind that has been stretched can never go back to it's original shape."

Well I can no longer go back to my other knives.

Cheers , Brian

Hi Bob,

I just received the 5" Damascus utility knife today. All I can say is what a beautiful piece of workmanship, well worth the wait. I will spread the word, and I will be ordering more in the future, Thanks,

RD

I just received 12 knives back from you and I cannot believe how incredibly sharp and beautiful you have made these blades. What an amazing job. I never thought I'd be calling someone about a sharpening job- fantastic.

John

Still completely in awe of the two knives I purchased from you, the 10" chef and the 10" slicer. They maintain an edge like no other, rarely rust or discolor, and are the only knife I know that can pass the ultimate test, cutting large rutabagas in a straight line. People who haven't seen them can rarely walk past my cutting board without picking them up, and I always send them your way, even though I know how hard it is for cooks to afford them ( I am saving for one more). Must admit, they've knocked my Masamoto's to a distant second. Will be getting lots of use out of them this coming week at the James Beard House, where I am helping my Chef Terence Feury cook.

Kibett

Bob,

Your knife is awesome. Well worth the wait. I was so worried that it wouldn't be that much better than my Wusthof! WRONG!! Compared to your knife, the Wusthof is like a plastic picnic knife. I'm finding new heights of chopping. Mincing through garlic like nobody's business, chiffonading herbs like they were nothing. Thank you so much. It was worth the wait. You're as much an artist as me.

Rex Pickett
author of "Sideways"

Mr. Kramer,

The knives you sharpened for me were delivered last night and I wanted to thank you for the fantastic job! I tried them out and they felt like totally different ( vastly improved) set of knives. I would like to say a special Thank you for the repair work on the serrated bread knife, I thought that knife had been ruined, but seeing it again last night, my girlfriend and I kept rolling it around in the light, marveling at the precision with which you repaired each serration.

NS

Best quality knives on the planet! The wait was well worth it. The Kramer Chef's knife holds it's edge and does not let it go.

R. Blanchard
Exec. Sous Chef Aqua Bellagio

The knives came last night. They are truly beautiful. This set of knives exemplifies the concept of functional art. I am proud to be able to use and display your craftsmanship. Thank-you.

Mike

I received the knife and I am very impressed with it. I have been using it at work and it is the sharpest and best looking knife I've ever seen. Thank you very much!

Charles
The Inn At Little Washington

Dear Mr. Kramer:

We received the 8" knife - it is great!!
A special thank you for your promptness we love to entertain ( I am 78- my sister is 80) I will have my 3rd knee surgery in Jan.-My sister has cardiac problems. We will have a great carving ceremony at Christmas thanks to your promptness.

The knife is everything you promised. Happy Holidays!

Hi Bob-

Yesterday I received the 8" cooks knife you made for me. Had I known what was in store for me I would not waited so patiently. This knife is not only a work of art but it is in a different world as far as balance, comfort and sharpness. I think the rest of my knives are going to live out their lives in loneliness. Anyway I'm very pleased.

Dear Bob

The knife arrived today as you said it would. It is even more beautiful than I expected. As it is 7:30 pm, I will not be cooking tonight, but I have two planned food events this weekend. Thanks again, you do beautiful work.

Mr. Kramer

My sister gave me one of your knives as a very special 50th birthday present and WOW do I love it. There are few items one can buy anymore which reflect the pride, craftsmanship, and devotion to the profession of the person who made it. Your knife is fabulous.

Dear Bob:

I have dual congratulations, first to me for having the wisdom to order my knives from you and secondly to you for having exceeded my most optimistic expectations for the knives I ordered.
My wife Meredith got to cut the first onion and you would have enjoyed her squeal of delight as the knife cut a perfect slice with virtually no pressure.