Cigar World's Artisan’s Corner: Meet Nathaniel Bonner from NHB Knifeworks

Cigar World had the opportunity to sit down with Nathaniel Bonner from NHB Knifeworks to learn about his custom knifemaking, and how he has been in the business for almost 10 years!

Jean: It is so great to meet you! We thought your work was really unique and wanted to find out more. Tell us a bit about your shop and creations.

Nathaniel: I currently work in the basement of one of the oldest operating hardware stores in the city. The space is incredibly unique and located on the original Route 66 historic roadway. I operate by appointment only and also work as the sharpener for the hardware store. I do everything in-house, including making my own steel billets for bladesmithing. I work alone which allows me to have total control over the pieces I create. 

Jean: What inspired you to get into this space?

Nathaniel: Originally, I had a retail/workspace just down the road, but after a terrible knifemaking accident, I was forced to take about 6 or 7 months off, and that caused me to fall behind in the workload. I was exploring some other options, and 2 friends of mine who own the hardware store offered up this current location, and I jumped on it. It's literally on the same block so the move wasn't too bad, and I was able to traverse the back parking lot with all of my heavy equipment on pallets with a lift. I absolutely love the new space. 

Jean: How long have you been working in this medium?

Nathaniel: I have been knifemaking for almost 10 years now. I feel like it takes about that long to really know what you're doing. I am a member of the American Bladesmith Society and continue to take specialized classes in multiple aspects of bladesmithing and woodworking all over the country. 

Jean: What is the process for creating each piece? 

Nathaniel: Most of the time I just "go with the flow". Obviously, if I'm doing a custom piece, I have some serious parameters to follow, but generally, I just like to see what happens with the steel and forge as I go. I guess overall, I like to "not have a plan"; everything seems to flow into its place, and just reacting to the movements and the mass of the steel gives you endless possibilities. So much of knifemaking is correcting mistakes, and not having a plan gets you out of many of those "oops moments"

Custom Knife created by Nathaniel at NHB Knifeworks 

Jean: How long does it take to make your pieces?

Nathaniel: I would say my knives take anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks. It's always different and no 2 pieces are the same.

Jean: What is your favorite piece?

Nathaniel: I can't actually say. So much of what makes me happy in bladesmithing is the overall diversity in design and use. If I had to pick one it, I'd say the last mosaic blade I made (still not 100% done, though) 

Another one of Nathaniel's expertly crafted knives

Jean: Where do you live, and do you have a brick-and-mortar store or online shop?

Nathaniel: I live in St Louis, MO, about 2 blocks from my shop. I will be relaunching a new website soon. Currently, all my business is done on Instagram @nhbknives, and I take appointments to come into the shop Monday through Friday. 

Jean: Do you smoke cigars, and if so, what is your favorite?

Nathaniel: I do smoke, and generally speaking I like a medium body Cafe style cigar with rich coffee, occasionally rye whiskey neat. 

Jean: Where do you like to smoke cigars?

Nathaniel: My favorite place to smoke and socialize is Brennan's in the central west end of St Louis. Sometimes, I would hold their guest chef spot for private tastings and pairings. Those guys are great.

Jean: Do you take commissions, and if so, where can people find you?

Nathaniel: Yes, I do custom work, and Instagram is the best way to track me down to make an appointment to talk on the phone or in person. 

Jean: What else have you got going on right now?

Nathaniel: I am currently working on new chef knives and mosaic Damascus bar knives! I'm very excited about the new lineup and the launch of the new website next year! 

Jean: Thank you again, Nathaniel! We look forward to seeing your new work and website!