Che Americano
A Journey into the world of Knife Making
Amponchai Chootim, affectionately known as Che Americano, embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to become a master of the art of knife making.
Born to an aircraft mechanic father, Che initially pursued studies in auto mechanics at the College of Chiang Mai. However, one serendipitous Friday evening in 2008, while watching a documentary on Thai television, everything changed. The documentary, from a very popular series titled "กบนอกกะลา" (phonetically translated as "Kop Nok Ka La" or in english "Frog outside the coconut"), held his attention for 30 captivating minutes and ignited a passionate desire within him: to craft knives.
With only rudimentary tools at his disposal, a mere c-clamp and an angle grinder, Che embarked on his knife-making journey, initially without formal instruction. Instead, he turned to the vast resources of the internet, devouring knowledge from online forums and YouTube tutorials. It was during this time that he adopted the moniker "Che Americano" as his online identity, a nod to his fondness for coffee.
In 2009, after completing the auto mechanic school education, Che faced a pivotal choice. He could continue down the path of mechanics and engineering, following in his father's footsteps, or he could embrace his newfound passion and dedicate himself to the art of knife making. Driven by an unwavering determination to craft exceptional blades, he chose the latter path. Self-taught and fueled by his passion, Che honed his skills over the years, connecting with fellow knife makers across Thailand who further enriched his knowledge.
Through the years, Che Americano's dedication and craftsmanship shone brightly as he crafted hundreds of knives, each a testament to his evolving expertise. His portfolio includes Competition Knives, Bowie Knives, Western-style and Japanese blades, and classical Thai-style Machete E-Nep and Laab Knives. In 2017, Che made a deliberate shift in focus towards Kitchen Knives, a choice driven by his profound love for food. These high-performance cutting tools now serve a special purpose in kitchens around the world, enhancing the culinary experiences of those who appreciate precision and craftsmanship.
Che Americano's journey is one of passion, self-discovery, and unwavering dedication to the art of knife making. His blades are not just tools; they are expressions of his craftsmanship and a testament to the pursuit of excellence. Each piece tells a story, born from the hands of a master who followed his heart and his love for knives.
Here we initiated a place to explore his world of knives, where tradition and innovation converge to create exceptional cutting instruments.
Che's passion for knife making goes beyond his own craft. Over the years, he has taken on the role of a dedicated teacher, generously sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise with aspiring students. Through mentorship and hands-on guidance, he has played a crucial part in passing down the art of knife making to the next generation. His commitment to education reflects not only his dedication to the craft but also his desire to see the traditions of knife making flourish and evolve in the hands of future artisans.
