©©Franck Ackermann Franck Ackermann and the Calais Knife
Through Le Couteau Calaisien, a craftsman pays homage to his hometown, combining passion, tradition, and innovation. From his first hand engravings to recognition by top chefs, discover the inspiring journey of a local designer whose unique knives embody the refinement of tableware and the heritage of Calais.
Who is behind the creator of the Calaisien Knife?
“I was born in the 70s to a father from Calais and a German mother. Ever since I was little, I've always loved crafts. I was passionate about DIY, and my childhood dream was to attend the Le Touquet hotel school and pursue a career in the world of gastronomy.
But life led me down another path, with a rather varied career path. It was in 2015, during a period of unemployment, that everything changed. I then started engraving metal, brass, and bronze, simply for fun. And one day, a friend challenged me with a challenge that would change everything: “Do you know how to make a knife?” I set out without training, just with my curiosity and my desire to learn. It was a revelation. I taught myself, perfected my skills, and very quickly, cutlery became a real passion.
©©Franck Ackermann Why did you choose to start making knives?
“Cutlery came into my life somewhat by chance, but it became a real answer to a long-standing frustration: never having been able to work in the hotel or restaurant industry, which I deeply admire.
Thanks to this craft as a cutlery artisan, I was able to reconnect with this refined world, that of the art of the table, of gastronomy, of precision. My German mother had total admiration for the French table: the beautiful cutlery, the well-ironed tablecloths, the well-dressed plates. At home, the meal was a precious moment, and this table culture had a profound impact on me.
Today, through my artisanal knives, I pay homage to this elegance, this refinement, by creating unique pieces, crafted with passion.”
© ©Franck Ackermann 
© ©Franck Ackermann What makes your knives unique?
“I wanted to create knives that tell a story, not just be simple utilitarian objects. My creations are different because they move away from the often very masculine, angular, or aggressive standards found in traditional cutlery.
From the very first prototypes, I chose softer, rounder shapes, inspired by the sea. My very first model resembled a small fish. This marine inspiration remains present today in the lines and curves of my knives.
Beyond the shape, each knife is entirely handmade, in an artisanal way, with great attention to detail and the quality of the materials. It is a true work of art, a local know-how that is part of a tradition of artisanal excellence.”
How long does it take to make a handmade knife?
At first, it took me between 15 and 18 hours to make a single knife, from design to finishing. I gradually became more efficient while maintaining a high level of precision. Today, I work in batches of several pieces, which allows me to optimize steps such as drying times.
Even though I maintain my main business, I produce around thirty knives per month. Each piece is unique, handcrafted in my workshop with passion. It's meticulous work, but that's also what makes it so valuable.
What reactions do your knives provoke?
“Initially, my knives appealed mainly to a small circle: collectors, craft enthusiasts, and of course, the people of Calais who were very attached to their city. They saw the Calais Knife as a symbolic object, a piece of their history to carry with them or to give as a gift.
In May 2021, a major turning point occurred: Michelin-starred chef Christophe Dufossé, himself from Calais, decided to place his trust in me. He ordered table knives and butter knives for his gourmet restaurant at the Château de Beaulieu.
Since then, other prestigious establishments have approached me, such as the 49R in Lille. Today, my knives travel far beyond the Opal Coast: they can be found all over France, but also internationally, in Canada, the United States, Germany, and Greece.
It is a great source of pride to see a Calais artisanal creation shine at this level.”
©©Franck Ackermann What encounter has had the greatest impact on you in your career?
“I believe every encounter is memorable. There's always a special feeling when someone discovers my work, when they understand the story and the love I put into each knife. Seeing stars in their eyes, moving smiles, is worth all the awards. It's a precious form of recognition for a craftsman.”
What memory or order particularly moved you?
“There are several, but one story really touched me. A client contacted me about his mother, a lacemaker by trade. She had gotten married in a Calais lace dress, designed by her own father. He entrusted me with a piece of the bodice from that dress so I could create four unique knives.
For the first time, I worked with white lace on a black background. This commission was not just an object: it was a family memory, a transmission, a tribute. It is in these moments that my profession takes on its full meaning. The knife then becomes a link between past and present, between emotion and creation.”