Establishing My Knife Making Business

Dear Friends, Family, and Strangers with Big Hearts,

My name is Alessio Zilli; in the last 10 years I developed a big passion for knifes. The plan was a slow transition in turning my hobby into my business. After life hit me pretty good over the last 2 years, starting with a major surgery (kidney donation to my brother) and a diagnosed burnout resulting in the loss of my income, I need some help to finalize my plans sooner than later. That will give me the chance to work on my own terms from home to supplement our (her) income.

I want to establish my own knife-making business. After initial investments in building my shop and acquiring some basic equipment, I am more than halfway to my goal. I am falling short on funding by $8'500 - that figure includes various small machinery, abrasives, and grinding/polishing supplies. I want to clarify that I'm not trying to purchase the most expensive or fancy machinery, but consciously investing in the things I need to be productive. I realize that with a low household income it will take me a long time to establish my business completely. That is why I am offering my services/product to the people who help me get there! At first I was really uncomfortable with asking for money, but then I came up with a way to balance this donation.

If you donate $100 to me, I will donate to you a custom-made 7'' paring knife!

If you donate $200 to me, I will donate to you a custom-made 10'' all-around kitchen knife!

If you donate $400 to me, I will donate to you a custom-made 12'' chef knife or santoku, your choice!

If you donate $600 or more to me, then you are in for a treat! Whoever knows me, knows what to expect. For those of you who don't know me, I look forward to getting to know you while we discuss plans for your big, beautiful custom-made knife.

Specifics of the knives: The first three donation options include a mono-steel blade (15n20 or CPMD2). That's the good stuff - it's not your average stainless steel blade. It's not like "Made in China", more like "Made in Canada" (by a Swiss guy!) The handles will be made of wood or micarta. For the donation of $600 or more, I will make you a custom knife according to your wishes, including a damascus steel blade and handle made of exotic, stabilized wood (maximum 10''). Note: dimensions listed for all knives include the length of the handles.

For more information about any questions or wishes, please contact me and I'll gladly address them.

As of right now, I am not able to efficiently produce any knives until the financial goal is met. In regards to the order in which the knives will be distributed, it will be "first-come first-served". Production begins latest after the goal has bin met. Then I will be able to produce and deliver at least two knives per month. As with any of the knives I produce it will come with the offer of a lifelong sharpening service (as long as you pay to send it to me, I will pay to send it back to you).