Yuri Rindlisbacher – the Art of Knife-Making
Born in Geneva in 1976 to a family of craftsmen it was natural that by the age of six I was drawn into an artisan world. It was influenced by my father who was a sheet-metal worker, my uncle a jeweller, my grandfather a woodcarver and my grandmother a painter.
Fascinated by the timepieces and luxury watches of famous haute horlogerie companies displayed in the jewelry shops that lined the rue du Rhône in Geneva, I became an apprentice at Chopard SA in Geneva, at the age of fifteen. At the end of my four-year training, I embarked on a second degree to master the entire jewellery manufacturing process and also specialized in stone setting.
With my degree in hand and still passionate about my work, I entered the Swiss Jewellery Championships and won first place. This success encouraged me to compete in the World Championships where I was awarded first and sixth places in the European and World categories respectively.
I continue to work for Chopard as Head of Workshops and Journeyman to eight Jewellery apprentices. I also officiate as a Federal expert in Switzerland. However, I now work part-time so that I can spend more time with my family and also dedicate my Wednesdays to a new activity that had fascinated me since my childhood: knife-making.
My encounter with fellow jeweller Jean-François Renaud turned my dreams of making knives into a reality. Jean-François initiated me into the world of knife-making and shared with me his love of creating knives.
In 2011, driven by the desire to own a beautiful piece of art that I would not otherwise have been able to afford, I decided to make my first knife. A second knife followed, then a third, and by then I was hooked. Since then I have worked at perfecting my craft and I have applied my creative talents to produce more than 50 unique pieces over a two-year period.
As my confidence has grown, I have invested myself both personally and financially in this wonderful adventure. I now exhibit and sell my creations at exhibitions such as Sevrier in Annecy, SCAT Lyon and Paris-FICX. Each exhibition strengthens my resolve and determination to continue in this direction.
In terms of investment, revenue generated from sales at exhibitions has allowed me to buy new machinery and equipment. The completion of my 20m² workshop in an old garage was thanks to my first, big order. My workshop consists of a gas forge, a drill press, a grinder, plasma cutter, backstand LD GRINDER, and a small sander.
To develop my expertise and produce uniquely crafted pieces, I have undertaken forging courses so that I can shape the blades and create a totally handmade piece.
The art of Knife-Making is a passion, driven by curiosity, the diversity of materials use to produce unique pieces, as well as the challenge of making opening mechanisms. I use techniques that are common to both Jewellery and Knife-Making. Blades are decorated with precious materials and I combine and use ancient techniques such as Damascene inlay, Sculpture, and homemade Mokume-Gane. I pay particular attention to the construction of my pieces through curve returns and ergonomics, which need to be in perfect harmony with the chosen materials and colours.
I am intimidated neither by the challenges associated with producing such small precision parts as those found in small folding knives nor making large parts for straight knives such as hunting knives, tactical daggers, Kiridashi, etc., and tools such as limonadiers, oyster openers, bread knives, cutters, etc. All these parts can be customized by jewels so that the knife retains all of its aesthetic quality and main functionality but it is enhanced by precious ornamentation.
Thanks to my core business I have also had the opportunity to restore old silver, pearl, and ivory pieces from art lovers and collectors.
My clients can also follow the different stages that their bespoke piece goes through via my Facebook page or on Google+. These social networking opportunities create a dynamic connection between the client and me.
My philosophy is simple: I wish to deliver a product that is at the height of a client’s expectations. I aim to do this by being at your service and actively listening to your ideas and suggestions to turn them into reality.
Yuri Rindlisbacher
2017