( ENSPIRE Business ) Middleton Does Knife Collabs With Celebrities And Famous Chefs
ENSPIRE Contributor: Gabrielle Maya
Regarding culinary artistry, Quintin Middleton is a craftsman who has elevated his skill and brought the gift of knife making in Saint Stephen, SC. Middleton Made Knives is a black-owned, operated, bespoke culinary knife company led by Bladesmith Quintin Middleton. For his keen eye and authentic attention to detail, this artisan has broken boundaries and brings pride to the small Southern community in South Carolina where he resided.
His artisan journey began at seventeen when he took knife-making seriously. A chance encounter with legendary bladesmith and fellow South Carolinian Jason Knight brought him closer to that goal. Middleton was Knight’s apprentice for six years, learning to make hunting knives, swords, and fantasy-styled weapons. Years later, he switched to crafting culinary knives and has reached out to Charleston’s top chefs, offering them custom knives. Many were skeptical, but one man, Craig Deihl, an executive chef at Cyprus, accepted the offer and let Middleton observe the uses of different knives.
Quintin Middleton shares how he established his knife business in his hometown, his inspiration for his knives, classic and signature collections, knife collaborations, and more.
How did you establish your knife business in your hometown of Saint Stephen, SC?
After I watched Conan The Barbarian for the first time, I was hooked on making knives. I’d fashion knife handles from household items like my mother’s shower rod. It was when I turned 17 that I took knife-making seriously, guided by the legendary bladesmith Jason Knight. For the next six years, Knight mentored me in crafting hunting knives, swords, and fantasy-style weapons.
Years later, driven by religious inspiration, I began crafting culinary knives after a dream from the Holy Spirit. Despite initial skepticism, I convinced Chef Craig Deihl to let me observe in his kitchen, learning the intricacies of knife use. With this knowledge, I returned to my hometown of Saint Stephen to create chef knives. In 2010, Middleton Made Knives was born, founded on faith and a dream. Since then, I’ve earned acclaim as the South’s premier culinary bladesmith, hand-forging Damascus steel knives that blend functionality with artistry.
Where do you get your stylistic inspiration for the knives you create?
Ensuring my end users’ comfort is always my top priority. The distinctive handle shape of the Coke bottle is my signature; it features a narrow top that gradually flares out, providing a natural and comfortable grip. Additionally, for larger knives, I’ve incorporated a finger groove that allows the middle finger to rest comfortably while chopping.
I believe that “sex sells, and performance tells,” an attractive appearance initially captures attention and brings people to the table. It is the exceptional performance that ensures they stay.
Explain the difference between your classic collection vs your signature collection.
The Classic Collection, known as my Echo Line, is crafted from steel in bulk, with fewer customization options to minimize expenses. The Signature Collection of knives is meticulously hand-forged from start to finish.
What other custom knife collaborations have you done?
I collaborated with Pappy & Company to launch a custom chef and bar knife, crafted from the bourbon barrels of Pappy Van Winkle.
What plans do you have for Middleton Made Knives, and what future collaborations would you like to do or are in the works?
Next, my goal is to establish a manufacturing facility in my hometown community in St. Stephen, SC.
What was it like working with Jason Knight? What artisan skills did you learn from him, and what are some of the different components when making culinary pieces?
Jason taught me so many things—the main thing he taught me was that a knife should flow! It should look like it’s in movement when it is still. Additionally, the knife should perform better than its aesthetics.
Can you tell us the steps to making your special knives in your own words?
Most knives aren’t made for comfort during use. I keep the user in mind when I make my knives. I want them to be excited when they pick up one of my knives, ready to take on the world.
Who were your biggest inspirations in the artisan community, specifically culinary knife-making?
Bob Kramer is one of the knife makers I’m inspired by. He has achieved so many things that I aspire to.
Inspired by Conan, The Barbarian, Middleton has been interested in making knives. One of the exciting ways he began his practice was by taking down his mother’s shower rod and other household items and beating them into knife handles. Currently, the artisan does small custom orders for local patrons. Middleton has an Amazon Echo line for his knives and will collaborate with renowned chefs and celebrity collectors such as Sean Brock, Michael Anthony, Mike Lata, and more. Became an artisan. He is an inspiration for aspiring artisans and African-American entrepreneurs. In 2010, his reputation as a culinary bladesmith, hand-making high-carbon steel knives has left an impression in the artisan community.
For more updates on Middleton’s knife collections and collaborations, follow his Instagram. To order your knife set, click here.
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