How it Started
NHB KnifeWorks was founded upon two beliefs. The first, which we have heartily recommended to everyone, is to follow your dreams. That's what inspired Co-founder, Nate Bonner, to leave his career as a professionally trained chef and follow his life-long dream of being a knife-maker. That same belief inspired Co-founder, Melody Noel (Mel), Nate's step-mom, to leave her career as a practicing attorney and become an entrepreneur. As a result, NHB KnifeWorks was born, and neither of us have looked back! Our second belief is that extraordinary design can (and should be) beautiful, functional, and local. Made in the USA, NHB KnifeWorks' unique culinary knives are each designed by Nate and are made from high-grade stainless, carbon, or Damascus steel, which is then coupled to a one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted wood handle. The result is an extraordinary knife that is made for chefs, by a chef, holds its edge, and is beautiful as it is functional. As Nate always says, "Cooking is an art, so should be your knife!" Mel calls them, "Jewelry for Chefs.”
Finding talented American artisans and small batch producers is not only rewarding, but inspiring! We want people to know that the manufacturing of high quality products in the USA is going strong, and growing right here in our own backyard!
NHB KnifeWorks is the adventure of a life-time. We thank you for sharing that adventure!
In 2016 NHB Knifeworks opened our first brick and mortar location in the historic district of Maplewood, Missouri. The storefront features American-made knives, cookware, handmade bowls and other artisan culinary products. The window on the back wall peeks into the knife-making studio and allows guests to watch the shaping, sharpening, and grinding of knives.
Nate Bonner, Knifemaker
Nate has always had a fascination with knives and a special appreciation for the quality and workmanship of a great knife. Captivated by knives big and small since childhood, Nate’s passion for knives was further cultivated in his 10-year career as a chef. Professionally trained at the New England Culinary Institute (NECI) in Montpelier, Vermont, Nate went on to work in restaurants in Vermont, California and eventually his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, where he held several Executive Chef positions. A gifted culinary instructor, Nate specialized in teaching “knife skills,” further honing his pursuit of the perfect knife.
A true artist, Nate had always looked for beauty and functionality when purchasing a knife, but often found himself making technical changes to his knives to optimize their performance. Seeing an opportunity to combine his love of knives, his unique knowledge and experience in the culinary arts and his desire to create one-of-a-kind, high quality knives, Nate set out to create his “dream knives.” It was from that successful effort that NHB KnifeWorks was born.
Whether working with steel, micarta, or wood, Nate has a passion and natural talent for designing, sculpting and honing knives.