Fredrik Spåre – Knife Maker
A fascination with cutlery led to forging stunning knives
Fredrik Spåre, a chef turned knifemaker, took his fascination with cutlery to new heights. Based in Lindbacka Bruk, Sweden, he meticulously forges knives and offers courses where participants can experience forging their own blades.
We visited Fredrik and talked about knife making. Watch his unconventional use of the Tormek T-8 Original with diamond grinding wheels that he uses to finish all his knives.
From Passion to Mastery
Fredrik Spåre’s journey into the world of knife-making started in the most unexpected way: a simple need for a hunting knife. What began as a search for the perfect blade soon turned into a life-changing obsession.
"It started when I needed a hunting knife but couldn’t find one I really liked. That got me wondering—how hard could it be to make one myself?" Fredrik recalls. This initial curiosity spiraled into something much bigger. Now, just four years later, he stands at the helm of a fully-equipped blacksmith shop, dedicating his days to crafting knives full-time.
A Game-Changer:
The Tormek T-8
Like any craft, tools play a pivotal role in knife-making. Fredrik vividly remembers the moment Tormek's CEO, Samuel, introduced him to the Tormek T-8 sharpening system with a diamond wheel.
"It completely changed how I sharpen my knives and even how I flatten the bevel."
For Fredrik, the Tormek system has also been instrumental in tackling one of a real challenge: honing bread swords. A process he describes as a former headache. But with the help of Tormek, Fredrik developed a strop specifically designed for the serrated teeth, a solution that has saved him countless hours and frustration.
Advice for Aspiring Knife Makers
Fredrik’s advice for those entering the craft is straightforward but profound:
"Practice a lot and don’t be afraid to make mistakes."
He emphasizes the importance of patience, urging newcomers to give themselves the time to master the skills. Once learned, he assures, sharpening skills becomes a lifelong asset.
Craftsmanship as a Sensory Art
Fredrik’s approach to knife-making is deeply intuitive, grounded in what he calls a “fingertip feeling”. Unlike many craftsmen who rely on precise measurements or tools, Fredrik places his trust in his eyes and fingers.
"I rarely measure things. Instead, I rely on my eye for proportions and, most importantly, on feeling with my fingers — like whether an edge is thin enough."
Of course, there are moments where precision is non-negotiable, such as maintaining specific temperatures during the hardening process. However, for tasks like crafting a gradually tapered chef’s knife blade, Fredrik finds it more effective to work by feel.
This intuitive approach also extends to sharpening. Fredrik often works freehand on his Tormek, making it difficult to answer the frequently asked question: “What angle do you sharpen at?” His response is simple: “I don’t sharpen by degrees; I do it by feel.”
Looking ahead, Fredrik has his eyes on Tormek DBS-22 Drill Bit Sharpening Attachment, a tool he believes could bring even more efficiency to his workshop.
What's Next for Fredrik Spåre?
When we're talking to Fredrik he's currently wrapping up one of his larger projects: crafting 28 bread swords. Completing such a significant undertaking brings a sense of satisfaction, but Fredrik’s ambitions don’t stop there.
"Once this project is done, I’m planning to dedicate more time to teaching courses. It’s one of the things I enjoy most, and I’m really looking forward to it!"
Fredrik Spåre’s story is a testament to how passion, curiosity, and dedication can transform a casual interest into a full-time profession. For him, knife-making is more than a craft — it’s a way of life, rooted in the balance of intuition, skill, and a relentless drive to improve
