I recently joined AK UNIVERSITY’s knife-making class, inspired by the exceptional quality and artistry of Andreas Kalani’s knives I saw on YouTube. His dedication to craftsmanship is clear in every piece, turning each knife into a true work of art. Watching his videos sparked my passion for knife-making, and I was excited to learn and grow my skills in this fascinating craft.
During my time at AKU, I discovered the technique of using graduated lines on the knife blank—a method that gives precise control while grinding and helps achieve a refined blade finish. I also learned how to temporarily sharpen the edge to perform functional tests, like chopping antler and copper, to verify the effectiveness of the heat treatment. These skills, combined with precise grinding and functional testing, have elevated both my understanding and confidence in making high-quality knives.
What truly made the class fulfilling was the hands-on, one-on-one learning vibe. The personalized attention helped me go deeper into the craft, and the supportive atmosphere made the journey both enjoyable and educational.
This class exceeded my expectations. Andreas’ relaxed and approachable teaching style stood out, making the process not only effective but fun.
One of my favorite moments was holding my completed knife with the sharpened edge for the first time—a perfect blend of style, beauty, ergonomics, and craftsmanship.
This is the only class I’ve taken, and it’s set the bar high. Since joining AKU, my interest in knife-making has grown so much that I’ve now incorporated a fiber laser into my workflow to enhance the look of my knives.
Special thanks to AK—his guidance made this experience even more meaningful. I’m also looking forward to taking the hybrid sheath-making class in the future.
AKU’s scheduling worked perfectly for me—no issues at all. Everything aligned smoothly with my pace and style.