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Muhammed Ali Coskun, a bearer of intangible cultural heritage living in Duzce, keeps the traditional handicraft of knifemaking alive in his workshop.
Coskun, 31, developed an interest in hunting as a child, inspired by the shapes and motifs of the different knives used on hunting trips with his father. Seven years ago, that fascination led him to take up knifemaking.
He taught himself knifemaking through online research, and for about a year, he pursued it as a hobby in a workshop he set up in his home's garden.
After developing his hand skills, Coskun focused entirely on his craft, and in 2024, he received the artist recognition card given by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to bearers of intangible cultural heritage who practice traditional arts at risk of disappearing.
Now carrying his craft into the future, Coskun produces knives using traditional methods, decorates them with special motifs, and delivers them to enthusiasts both in Türkiye and abroad.
Coskun said he and his father had hunted together for years, and that his interest in knifemaking grew out of that background. He explained that he developed his skills over time through internet research and continues to work with traditional methods. He added that he strives to make the best, most durable products possible, and now pursues knifemaking full-time.
In addition to traditional forging, he said he also tries to make his own steel using what is known as the industrial hammer forging system. He noted that his products are generally one of a kind, made on a custom basis for each individual, with no duplicates produced. Rather than factory production, he said, the drawing and design belong either to him or to the customer.
Alongside the geographically indicated Duzce knife, Coskun also makes knives in rustic and Scandinavian styles. He said that rather than limiting himself to one type of steel, he tries to craft knives according to the wishes of his customers and collectors.
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He explained that kitchen knives can be made from stainless steel or higher-level powder metal steels, while knives intended for use in the mountains, the countryside, hunting or sports are made from carbon steel or other more durable steels. He said the types of knives and steels used change depending on their intended purpose.
For the handle section of the knives, Coskun said he uses walnut wood and stabilized wood that bring out visual appeal, and decorates this part with engraving work. He added that traditional engraving has long been common in Duzce, and that the motifs used on the handles help bring out the knife itself.
Coskun noted that the production time for these handmade knives varies according to the product's features and the type of handle used, and said a knife typically emerges after a challenging production process lasting between one week and one month.
Coskun said his knives are in high demand, noting that within Türkiye, they're most popular among collectors in Istanbul, Ankara, and Bursa. Abroad, he said, he ships heavily to European countries, particularly the Netherlands and Austria.
Explaining that he is trying to keep knifemaking alive through his workshop, Coskun said efforts are needed to help people love and learn the profession, adding that he believes interest will grow once people are taught.
He said knifemaking needs to gain more visibility, describing it as a profession passed down from earlier generations, and said he supports, as much as he can, those eager to learn the craft.
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