ABOUT

„Every knife carries something of its maker,
and reflects the character of its owner.”

I am Gyozo Szabadi, a second-generation knifemaker and folk craft artisan.

In the 1980s my father, Istvan Szabadi, was the first knifemaker in the region. I took over his workshop in 2002 and have run it as an independent craft business ever since.
As a second-generation maker, I consider it essential to preserve traditional forms, while also enriching my knives with more contemporary design, special materials and refined solutions. In the beginning we made kitchen knives and simpler pocket knives, selling them at fairs, events and markets across Hungary. For several years, our products were also carried by a respected retail chain. Today I focus mainly on unique and traditional pocket knives, mostly for collectors. I have been a regular exhibitor at themed events for years, including the székesfehérvári Tűzzel-vassal Fesztivál and the International Knife Exhibition and Fair.

Since 2018 I have had my works juried. In 2021 I received second place at the IV. Országos Fémműves Népi Iparművészeti Pályázatán. In 2022 I received a special award in the exclusive pocket knife category at the XVIII. Tűzzel-vassal Fesztiválon. This year I was awarded the title of Népi Tárgyalkotó Iparművész.

One of my unique initiatives in Hungary is that, with the involvement of a folk craft artist, hand-carved handle pocket knives have been part of my repertoire for five years. My pyrography-decorated knives are ornamented by my partner, and in my fusion pieces I gladly collaborate with respected masters of the craft. In my work I aim for precision, individual ideas and the fine shaping of materials, creating a harmonious whole.