About Us

I fell in love with a side of China, often overlooked. A history of ornate, beautiful and traditional crafts. Sadly, overshadowed by the mass exports we have become accustomed to.

While I should have been studying, I spent my time in China exploring the unending alleys of independent shops and determined young makers striving to compete on the world stage.

Traditional Cantonese flats of Guangzhou were being preserved while utilitarian towers were demolished and replaced with skyscrapers of exciting design, shining in LED. I was witnessing it firsthand.

A cultural shift, not only a revival of old crafts but of the mentality that created them. One now building the future.

And then, by chance, I met a chef down the steamy street food alleys of Guiyang.

Our Story

I fell in love with a side of China, often overlooked. A history of ornate, beautiful and traditional crafts. Sadly, overshadowed by the mass exports we have become accustomed to.

While I should have been studying, I spent my time in China exploring the unending alleys of independent shops and determined young makers striving to compete on the world stage.

Traditional Cantonese flats of Guangzhou were being preserved while utilitarian towers were demolished and replaced with skyscrapers of exciting design, shining in LED.
I was witnessing it firsthand.

A cultural shift, not only a revival of old crafts but of the mentality that created them. One now building the future.

And then, by chance, I met a chef down the steamy street food alleys of Guiyang.

A dinner in Guiyang

In a kitchen in Guiyang. A tucked away, old building, in stark contrast to the glistening tower next door.

We were chatting about our knife collections when I mentioned I admired Chinese cleavers but found their sheer utilitarianism a little boring.

He handed me a rosewood and brass handle. Out of the sheath slid a knife I hadn’t encountered before.

Proudly inscribed HEZHEN, with a river of Damascus steel flowing down the sides of the blade. Balanced, finished and sharpened to put my Japanese collection to shame.

I had to have one

Not long after, I returned home and began pursuing Hezhen’s top line. To introduce them to Australia and finally open my dream knife shop.

Read the Hezhen story →

A dinner in Guiyang

In a kitchen in Guiyang. A tucked away, old building, in stark contrast to the glistening tower next door.

We were chatting about our knife collections when I mentioned I admired Chinese cleavers but found their sheer utilitarianism a little boring.

He handed me a rosewood and brass handle. Out of the sheath slid a knife I hadn’t encountered before.

Proudly inscribed HEZHEN, with a river of Damascus steel flowing down the sides of the blade. Balanced, finished and sharpened to put my Japanese collection to shame.

I had to have one

Not long after, I returned home and began pursuing Hezhen’s top line. To introduce them to Australia and finally open my dream knife shop.

Read the Hezhen story →

I wanted to bring this back home to Australia.

I wanted to bring this back home to Australia.

We import our knives directly from Hezhen and keep them stocked locally in Sydney, so every order ships from here.

Hezhen is currently our sole collaboration and a close friend. We sell their top line, Master Series / 大师系列,
which is rarely sold outside their domestic market.

Our prices are set to match Hezhen's so you can be confident it's the real deal, and excellent value.

It's more important than ever that you can trust who you're buying from. I want you to know exactly what you're getting and how it will look and perform.
This has prompted my decision to steer clear of AI-generated photos and images.

Media is a mix between commissioned photographers, friends, and my personal work.
I write the vast majority of copy myself. Hi i'm Hugh, I'm a real person and you are too.. probably

Importantly and for transparency. AI tools are still utilised.
There are strong benefits and many services already have it baked in.
But I will promise to keep images and videos grounded in reality as much as I possibly can!

Welcome!
you're looking at the early stages of small business.
Really appreciate your support and understanding as things progress

Reviews and feedback are really appreciated!
Hope you stick around and enjoy some fine cookware ;)

We import our knives directly from Hezhen and keep them stocked locally in Sydney, so every order ships from here.

Hezhen is currently our sole collaboration and a close friend. We sell their top line, Master Series / 大师系列,
which is rarely sold outside their domestic market.

Our prices are set to match Hezhen's so you can be confident it's the real deal, and excellent value.

It's more important than ever that you can trust who you're buying from. I want you to know exactly what you're getting and how it will look and perform. This has prompted my decision to steer clear of AI-generated photos and images.

Media is a mix between commissioned photographers, friends, and my personal work.

I write the vast majority of copy myself. Hi i'm Hugh, I'm a real person and you are too.. probably

Importantly and for transparency. AI tools are still utilised. There are strong benefits and many services already have it baked in. But I will promise to keep images and videos grounded in reality as much as I possibly can!

Welcome!
you're looking at the early stages of small business.
Really appreciate your support and understanding as things progress

Reviews and feedback are really appreciated!
Hope you stick around and enjoy some fine cookware ;)

Taking on the status quo

So these are our humble beginnings.
We are proud to bring you unique knives that punch above their weight.

Taking on the German and Japanese standard.
Excited to introduce Hezhen’s finest knives to Australia.

Keep a close eye on us
and thankyou for all your support <3

Shop Hezhen Knives More About Hezhen

Taking on the status quo

So these are our humble beginnings.
We are proud to bring you unique knives that punch above their weight.

Taking on the German and Japanese standard.
Excited to introduce Hezhen’s finest knives to Australia.

Keep a close eye on us
and thankyou for all your support <3

Shop Hezhen Knives More About Hezhen