What would a baker be without his rolling pin, a butcher without his chopping block, and a chef without his knife? Exactly, very little or nothing. And that is exactly what Clem Vanhee of Atelier185 has made his mission: to make the best possible knife for the best chefs. 100% handmade in Belgium!
The story of Clem Vanhee is a sample – if you will pardon the pun – of passion and craftsmanship. After first finishing high school, he took a course in ornamental metalwork in 2005. In 2007, his first self-made knife saw the light of day. However, it was not until 2017 that Clem decided to turn his hobby into his profession. Until then he had several jobs ranging from welder to R&D manager at Metalfire.
Today, the man’s knives are bought and especially used by the best chefs in the country. The day he received a call from Pascal De Valkeneer of the renowned Brussels two-star restaurant Chalet de la Fôret will forever be etched in his memory.
Clem, can you explain to the layman what makes your knives so special?
For me, a knife is not an ordinary knife but a delicate mix of functional design, craft and pure art. I started experimenting with damask steel in 2010. As a mechanical engineer, steel quality, material properties and hardness are of utmost importance to me. I had my hand-forged damask steel examined and approved by Professor Coudeville, a materials specialist at the KU Leuven department in Bruges. Everything is 100% made in my workshop. Everything is 100% handmade in Belgium and we are proud of it!
Who did you learn the most from in your course Clem?
I try to learn from everyone I meet, but first and foremost from my parents, I am very lucky to have had a very instructive childhood, a fantastic wife and super good friends who I can count on for support.
Piet Vermassen, the sadly deceased CEO of Metalfire, where I was the R&D manager, taught me a lot about business and gave me the proverbial kick in the teeth when I was hesitating to start as an independent entrepreneur.
What are you most proud of?
The fact that top chefs order their knives from me like Pascal Devalkeneer. And recently also my recognition as a master craftsman and inclusion in the gay chef guide by the Michelangelo foundation
What goal do you still want to achieve?
I obviously want to continue selling knives to passionate customers. Although it would be nice to be able to work with a few more great chefs.
Info about Clem Vanhee and his Atelier185 Website: https://atelier185.be/nl/
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