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At Forge To Table, the ethical production of our high-quality Japanese-style knives is not just a consideration – it's a cornerstone of our values. We understand that our customers care not only about the performance and beauty of their kitchen tools but also about the people and processes behind them.
Our Family Forge: A Legacy of Fair Practices
Our knives are hand-forged in a family-run forge in Southeast China, a partnership built on mutual respect and a shared dedication to quality. This isn't a large, impersonal factory; it's a close-knit operation where craftsmanship and fair treatment are paramount. We are proud to share that our partner forge has maintained a stable and valued workforce for over thirty years, with nearly zero employee turnover. This remarkable retention rate speaks volumes about the positive working environment. We take time to apprentice new team members through the processes, skills, and values of our forge.
Unwavering Commitment to Our Artisans:
We firmly believe that exceptional knives are crafted by skilled and well-cared-for artisans. That's why our partner forge offers some of the highest pay, comprehensive benefits, and unique perks of any manufacturing or artisan company in China. This includes:
Competitive Wages: Our artisans earn significantly above the industry standard, reflecting the value we place on their expertise.
Comprehensive Benefits: We ensure access to essential benefits, contributing to the well-being and security of our team and their families. That's why we provide 3 full weeks of time off during the Lunar New Year holiday.
Positive Work Environment: Our long-standing partnership fosters a respectful, safe, and supportive atmosphere where our artisans can thrive and take pride in their work.
Long-Term Stability: The lack of turnover demonstrates the commitment of our forge to our employees, offering job security and opportunities for growth within the family business.
Sustainable Sourcing: Respecting Resources and Communities
Our commitment to ethical practices extends to the materials we use. We prioritize sustainable sourcing to minimize our environmental impact and support responsible practices.
Ox Horn: The ox horn used for some of our knife handles is sourced through a network of small, independent farms. 1 This material is a byproduct of the regular horn trimming process that occurs bi-annually for all working oxen. This essential animal husbandry practice ensures the well-being of the oxen and provides us with a natural and beautiful material without contributing to harmful practices. By working directly with these small farms, we support local communities and ensure the humane acquisition of this resource.
Small-Scale Operation, Big on Ethics:
Forge To Table is a small operation with a deep focus on quality and integrity. We believe in transparency and are proud of the ethical foundation upon which our knives are made. When you choose a Forge To Table knife, you are not only investing in a premium kitchen tool but also supporting a business that values its people, respects the environment, and upholds the highest ethical standards in every step of the process.
Forge To Table is a company deeply rooted in both tradition and innovation, with a global footprint that reflects our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Here's the story of where our knives are made and where our team operates:
The Heart of Our Craft: Our Family-Operated Forge in Southern China
The soul of Forge To Table lies in our independent, family-operated forge located in Southern China. This is where the magic happens – where every single one of our exceptional knives is handcrafted with passion and expertise by our dedicated team of skilled blacksmiths.
At the helm of our forge is Alex Zheng, the head of the forge and a third-generation master bladesmith. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of traditional techniques, Alex personally oversees the forging and finishing process of each knife, ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance. He and his wife, Carole, are the heart and soul of our forging operation, carrying on a legacy of exceptional blade making.
Our Home Base: Southern California, USA
While our knives are born in our forge in Southern China, Forge To Table's operational hub is located in Southern California, USA. This is where our dedicated team focuses on:
Design and Innovation: We conceptualize and design our knives, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern culinary needs.
Quality Control: While Alex oversees quality at the forge, our team in California conducts further inspections to ensure every knife meets our rigorous standards before it reaches your kitchen.
Order Fulfillment and Shipping: Our Southern California office is where we carefully pack and ship your orders, ensuring they arrive safely and promptly.
Customer Support: Our friendly and knowledgeable customer support team is based here, ready to assist you with any questions you may have.
Our Culinary Roots and Testing Ground: Providence, Rhode Island, USA
The story of Forge To Table has a significant chapter in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. It was in Providence that Forge To Table was conceived and created by Maya, Sam, and Noah, all alumni of the prestigious Johnson & Wales University. Our connection to the culinary world runs deep, forged during our time at JWU. Today, Sam is still based in Providence, where he leads our test kitchen. This vital part of our operation allows us to rigorously evaluate the performance of our knives in a professional culinary environment, ensuring they meet the demands of both passionate home cooks and experienced chefs. The insights gained in our Providence test kitchen directly influence our designs and uphold our commitment to quality.
Learn More About Our Journey:
We invite you to delve deeper into our story, learn more about the dedicated individuals behind Forge To Table, and explore the intricate process of crafting our exceptional knives. Read more about our forge, our team, and our process here.
A: At Forge To Table, we pride ourselves on providing gorgeous, handcrafted knives that combine exceptional quality with affordability. Each knife is meticulously crafted to ensure superior performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Our range includes chef’s knives, paring knives, and specialized blades tailored for various culinary needs, all made from high-carbon stainless steel for enhanced sharpness and ease of maintenance. In addition to knives, we also offer complementary kitchen tools and accessories to enhance your cooking experience. Choosing Forge To Table means investing in tools that are not only functional but also beautiful, making them an indispensable asset in any kitchen. Our commitment to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction distinguishes us in the world of online kitchenware stores.
Forge To Table offers high-quality, hand-forged Japanese-style kitchen knives designed for exceptional performance and durability. Our knives are crafted with VG10 and AUS10 steel and feature traditional blacksmith finishes. We provide a range of knives perfect for professional chefs and home cooks who value precision and craftsmanship in their kitchen tools.
The best ingredients and the proper tools lead to the best meals!