Today we’d like to introduce you to Russell Montgomery.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started Serenity Knives while working full time so I could build my skills at a steady and consistent pace. After a year and a half of learning, taking workshops, and lots of practice I quit my full time job to see what I could do. Not long after that I made the steak knives for Oxheart Restaurant, then a custom Chef Knife for Justin Yu. I owe Justin Vann and Justin Yu a lot, without those guys I don’t know where I’d be today. Now, over 5 years later, I still have a successful business and we are growing slowly and steadily. I love what I get to do every day, and I get to work with some amazing guys on a daily basis.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been mostly a smooth road, slow, incremental, sustainable growth. Just like I want. I cut, burn or otherwise hurt myself daily, but that is just part of the creative process.
Please tell us about Serenity Knives.
First and foremost, we are custom knife makers. We do 100% handmade knives with full custom design options. We make kitchen, steak, hunting and utility, and tactical knives. You think it up, we design it, we make it. Everything that happens to the knives we make is completely done by hand, one at a time, at our shop. We do all our own design, cutting, grinding, heat treat, handle work, leather work, etc. All in house. We specialize in custom one off knife design. Yes, we have knives in stock and ready for sale as well, and we love this aspect of our business. We also offer knife sharpening services as well as full reconditioning. Refurbishing, and restoring old knives, or knives that need a little work.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood would be spending summer in the country with my grandmother. Getting dirty, digging, being inventive and simply having a great time. Eating veggies straight from the garden, that type of deep seated family time is hugely important. Especially around food!
Pricing:
- Chef knives start at $275, that is stock or custom, smaller knives start at $225.
- Sharpening is $15-20 depending on knife length
Contact Info:
- Address: Serenity Knives
410 Harvard Street
Houston, TX 77007 - Website: www.serenityknives.com
- Phone: 832.860.4754
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @serenityunlimited
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/serenityknives1
Image Credit:
Group photos are taken by Elizabeyta Bjerklie, knife photos taken by Daniel Cruz and Russell Montgomery
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