Nathan Gareau, Brand Communications Lead at Knifewear, shares insights into the unique journey and mission behind the business. Knifewear, renowned for bringing handcrafted Japanese kitchen knives and high-quality cookware to home cooks and professional chefs across Canada, collaborates with over 50 craftspeople from Japan and North America. Founded by former chef Kevin Kent, Knifewear aims to transform cooking from a mundane chore into an inspiring activity by providing sharper and safer knives. Gareau, along with other former chefs on their team, embarked on this endeavour driven by a passion for exceptional knives and the vision of a sustainable career. Today, Knifewear serves a diverse clientele, ranging from professional chefs to home cooks, cultivating a culture of genuine hospitality and quality craftsmanship.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Knifewear brings handcrafted Japanese kitchen knives and high-quality cookware to home cooks and professional chefs in Canada. We work with over 50 craftspeople and companies from across Japan and makers in North America.
What made you want to do this work?
Kevin Kent, the founder of Knifewear, as well as myself and many of our staff, were once chefs. After discovering the incredible sharpness and craftsmanship of Japanese knives, Kevin started selling a few knives out of his backpack to other chefs, biking to restaurants around Calgary. He grew it from there, and now Knifewear employs a diverse array of folks, many of us former chefs who love knives and wanted a more sustainable career.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
For many, cooking seems like a chore, and most folks have dull, dangerous knives in their kitchen. We want to equip people with knives that get sharper and stay sharp longer. Sharper knives are safer and more fun to use, and a beautiful blade gets you inspired to spend time in the kitchen with loved ones cooking healthier, more interesting food.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Anybody who eats food. Everyone deserves to have the right tools to enjoy cooking. Chefs are the backbone of Knifewear, but a lot of our customers these days are home cooks.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We focus on taking care of staff: paying them well, offering benefits and profit sharing, as well as a healthy, meaningful workplace. Happy staff take better care of our customers, providing real hospitality and making their day. That makes our business a success.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Knifewear is located in Inglewood at 1316 9ave SE< a few doors down from Spolumbo’s. We’re also at the Calgary Farmer’s Market, and online at knifewear.com
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
“What makes these different from the knives I have at home?” Japanese knives are crafted by hand with harder steel. This allows them to get sharper and stay sharp longer, which makes them safer and more fun to use. Their handmade quality means they look gorgeous and feel fantastic to use. We’re here to help you find the perfect knife from hundreds of choices, and teach you how to use it and care for it for a lifetime.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part if getting to see the joy on someone’s face when they try a Japanese knife in-store for the first time, and when they take home their first knife. It never gets old. The worst is trying not to buy a new knife every week. I just got a new one, and I already have a sizeable collection.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
We’re on the cutting edge. We’re a cut above the competition. There’s a ton, and I love them all.
Where can we follow you?
@knifewear on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
The Apothecary in Inglewood. TONS of bulk & zero-waste food & home products, soap-making classes, and so much more for DIY-inclined folks.
