5 from the Grinder: Scott Fox (Fox Handmade Knives)

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Hello there, and welcome to the newest edition of KNIFE Magazine’s short format interview series, 5 from the Grinder. Today we bring you Arkansas knifemaker Scott Fox of Fox Handmade Knives. Looking at the quality of his work, and hearing his backstory and influences, it makes me wonder how I had not ever heard of him. I won’t steal any of his thunder, so we will get right to it. If you are a maker who would like to be featured yourself, click this link.

Please introduce yourself and let us know what led you to making/designing knives

As long as I can remember I have always had a fascination with knives. When I was 14 I would ride my bike down to the Jimmy Lyle knife shop and ask tons of questions and learn everything that I could about handmade knives. I would use whatever tools my dad had and would do my best. As the years went by my tools got better and my knives got better. Fast forward 30 years and I am now a full time knifemaker and I specialize in high performance kitchen knives.

What knifemaker(s) or designer(s) have had the biggest influence on you? Do you have any mentors?

Some of my biggest influences have been Jimmy Lyle, Mareko Maumasi, Neal Kamimura, Jason Knight,and Bob Kramer to name just a few.

What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?

I’ve always been a big fan of Japanese cutlery and euro chefs.

What is the next big thing in knifemaking? / What direction do you see the industry going?

The classic styles and methods will always be popular but I see alot more in the way of cnc machining intricacies going on allowing people to do amazing work more efficiently.

Is there a knife from your lineup that you feel best exhibits who you are as a knifemaker/designer in terms of design elements, aesthetic or techniques used?

I’m really fond of my current Chef design. It has a bit of a classic Japanese design but with my own flair. I love straight lines with bits of curves thrown in.