Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to John Phillips. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi John, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Through my craft of knifemaking, I’ve honed my confidence and self-esteem. Each blade I’ve shaped signifies a personal voyage of growth and realization. Working with fire and molten metal breeds grace, intention and mindfulness into my life.
Despite facing a gauntlet of challenges, failures have never shattered me. Instead, they’ve kindled a fiery resolve. I’ve learned to view hurdles not as setbacks, but as catalysts for growth.
My approach has been shaped by self-reflection, ambitious projects, and an unwavering pursuit of goals, forging a resilient and positive mindset that enables me to keep my fires burning regardless of the odds.
My sense of confidence and self-esteem has been bolstered through interactions with my community, customers, and through diverse experiences gained during my travels.The engagement with my wonderful customers has played an instrumental role in bolstering my confidence. Their faith in me often illuminates my path, especially during trying times. Receiving appreciation, feedback, and even constructive criticism, have all been instrumental in amplifying my self-confidence and self-esteem.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My journey into knifemaking was initially steeped in mystery, with my knowledge of metallurgy and Damascus steel almost nonexistent. However, as I delved deeper into the craft, I was soon captivated by its limitless potential for innovation, despite knives being one of the oldest tools in human history. I am constantly inspired by the ancient technology of blade smithing and work to preserve time-tested processes as well as bring the technology of today into my work.
A serendipitous encounter at a craft fair in Nashville, Tennessee, became a significant turning point in my career. Here, award-winning Chef Sean Brock bought all my knives on display, catalyzing a career that saw my designs win international accolades, such as Best in Show, Best Cleaver and Best Bread Knife at the world renowned Damasteel Chef Knife Invitational in 2020, 2021, 2022 as well as me emerging as the History Channel Forged in Fire Champion in 2018.
In the past year, I’ve made strides in establishing my brand, Primeaux. Transitioning from my humble backyard workshop to a new, well-equipped studio in Knoxville, Tennessee, has been a remarkable journey. This larger workspace has not only allowed me to incorporate advanced machinery and 3D printers, but it’s also a testament to my craftsmanship as I’ve personally built most of the machines within. My shop is a testament to innovation, where I’ve devised unique techniques to morph my knife designs into functional art pieces. Every knife is an embodiment of careful craftsmanship and individuality, akin to a hand-thrown mug that fits perfectly in your hand, exuding warmth, balance, and a sense of personal connection.
My mission is to create knives that feel like an extension of the user’s hand – balanced, with a comfortable perfect pinch grip, making the act of holding it as natural as cradling a warm coffee mug. This commitment to ergonomic design ensures that the knives are not just visually appealing but also feel safe instantly in the hand.
Each knife carries its unique narrative, imprinted in the shape of the blade, the grain of the handle, the perfect pinch grip bolster, or the mesmerizing patterns on the steel. They are designed to be more than just tools. I want them to become a part of your daily routine, providing reliability and joy each time they’re used. They are functional pieces of art meant to enrich your life, improve your kitchen experience and become cherished heirlooms passed onto future generations.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Self-reliance: Embarking on the arduous task of teaching myself everything about knife making wasn’t easy. It, however, fostered an unwavering belief in my abilities. I realized that I could overcome any obstacle, often by figuring things out from scratch. This foundation of self-reliance has been the backbone of my achievements as a craftsman. To those aspiring artisans, I suggest you continually nurture your craft. Utilize available resources like books, online tutorials, or any other forms of self-learning. Initiate your journey with attainable targets, working independently towards them, then gradually tackle more complex goals. Embrace every learning opportunity, be it from triumphs or setbacks. Remember, you hold the reins of your growth.
Resilience: Life’s uneven scales taught me that the path to success is often fraught with setbacks and disappointments. Yet, these very challenges have shaped my resilience, teaching me that the true measure of an artisan isn’t in avoiding failure, but in the ability to rebound swiftly and effectively. For those at the beginning of their journey, realize that setbacks are stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. Learn from them, use them as fuel, and keep forging ahead.
Critical thinking: As a self-taught artisan, being able to critically assess situations, sift through resources, and scrutinize my thought processes is crucial. In the sea of information, it’s imperative to sieve out the valuable from the trivial. The skill to discern the information pertinent to my craft was a significant contributor to my success. To enhance this skill, immerse yourself in complex problems and practice analyzing situations from various angles. The sharper your critical thinking, the more refined your craft will become.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
While I believe it’s important to lean into your strengths, it’s equally valuable to be aware of and work on your weaknesses. In doing so, you not only round out your skill set, but also open up the opportunity for unexpected growth and discovery. Balancing these two approaches is, in my experience, the key to long-term success and fulfillment.
Embracing my passion for knifemaking, a craft that genuinely stirred my spirit and showcased my potential, catalyzed a transformative journey. It gave me a platform to direct my energy towards refining a craft that deeply resonates with me. The result of this intense focus is a level of skill and artistry that fills me with profound pride. Nevertheless, my journey has also taught me the worth of venturing beyond my comfort zone and tackling my shortcomings head-on. Initially, my concentration lay solely on mastering the art of blade forging. However, I soon identified a discrepancy in the quality of my work – the handles didn’t meet the same high standard as my blades. Rather than maintaining a narrow focus on my strengths, I chose to broaden my horizons and dedicated time to better my handle-crafting skills. This pursuit not only elevated the quality of my work but also opened the door to the broader world of woodcraft and metallurgy. It instilled in me a deep-seated desire to seek out the most sustainable and visually striking materials, further enriching my craftsmanship. This journey served as a testament to the power of expanding beyond one’s comfort zone and the impact it can have on personal and professional development.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.primeaux.us
- Instagram: @primeaux.goods & @phillips.forged
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/primeauxknifelovers
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-phillips-082aa1205/
- Youtube: @primeaux_us
Image Credits
Main black and white photo by Brian Blackmon Photo of John using Powerhammer by Kate Wiggeringloh all other photos by me, John Phillips
