Humble Blades
About the Company
**Humble Blades** is a business that designs and manufactures handmade, custom chef knives. Founded by Chris Sofia in 2015, the company is based in Austin, Texas. The knives are entirely bespoke and crafted by hand, focusing on high-quality materials and craftsmanship. While the business started small, it has grown steadily through word-of-mouth and a strong presence on social media. Chris serves as both the sole creator and operator of the company, producing each knife personally, which adds to the brand’s authenticity and allure. His products are sold through his website and social media platforms, particularly Instagram, where he shares his creative process with followers.
Idea Behind Company
Chris’s idea for **Humble Blades** was born from his disillusionment with his corporate career in marketing and design. He had always been interested in knives and medieval weaponry, and after spending years in the corporate world, he realized he wanted to pursue something more fulfilling. Initially, Chris thought creating a knife business would be a way to build a portfolio, but the process of designing and making knives quickly became a passion. Despite the challenges and initial failures, the positive feedback he received on his early attempts encouraged him to focus entirely on this new venture. His primary goal shifted from just making knives to creating something meaningful, both for himself and his customers.
Creating the Company
The process of creating **Humble Blades** was far from easy. Chris started without any formal training in knife making, using his last unemployment check to buy materials and tools. His first knives were far from perfect, but he found the process of learning and improving deeply satisfying. Over time, he refined his craft, developing a distinctive design style while experimenting with different materials and techniques. Chris’s approach is highly hands-on, and he values the intricate process of making each knife by hand. Social media, particularly Instagram, has been essential in promoting his work and building a following. Chris emphasizes that each knife is a combination of artistry and functionality, and the feedback he receives from customers continues to drive him to improve.
Launching the Business
Chris launched **Humble Blades** in 2015, initially with the goal of simply creating a logo, a product, and a website to establish a brand. However, the true challenge began once the business was live. The first few years were a steep learning curve, as Chris had to master not only the craft of knife making but also the skills required to run a business. One of the most important lessons he learned was the value of customer engagement. He focused on building authentic relationships through social media and responded to every message and email personally. This hands-on approach, along with the high quality of his products, helped create a loyal customer base, which continues to grow through positive word-of-mouth.
Earnings
Since launching the business, **Humble Blades** has generated around $2,000 in monthly revenue. While the business is still in its early stages, Chris views this as a promising start. The revenue is mainly derived from custom knife orders and the sale of inventory, with Chris constantly working to improve his product and marketing strategies. Scaling the business is Chris's next goal, and he is in the process of hiring additional help to increase production capacity. Chris has also emphasized the importance of pricing his products correctly to ensure profitability. Despite the modest earnings, he feels that the journey and personal growth he has experienced are equally valuable, and he remains committed to the long-term vision of growing **Humble Blades** into a sustainable business.
Chris’s vision for the future of **Humble Blades** centers around scaling the business while maintaining its commitment to craftsmanship. He plans to hire an assistant to help with production and allow him to focus on business development and custom projects. In addition to expanding production, Chris aims to further refine his skills and continue learning from his experiences. He also wants to establish a curriculum to train new hires in the specific processes and standards that have made his knives unique. As the business grows, Chris is determined to stay true to the core values of authenticity, quality, and customer engagement that have made **Humble Blades** successful so far.
