©©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. From a very young age, I always loved manual activities. DIY fascinated me, and my childhood dream was to attend the hotel school in Le Touquet to pursue a career in the world of gastronomy.
But life led me down a different path, with a rather varied career. It was in 2015, during a period of unemployment, that everything changed. I started engraving metal, brass and bronze, simply for pleasure. And one day, a friend challenged me, a challenge that would change everything: "Do you know how to make a knife?" I started without any formal training, just with my curiosity and desire to learn. It was a revelation. I learned on my own, perfected my techniques, and very quickly, knife making became a true 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 an old 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 handcrafted knives, I pay homage to this elegance and refinement, 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 its shape, each knife is entirely handmade, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and the quality of materials. It's a true work of art, a local expertise rooted in 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 Calais residents 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's a great source of pride to see a Calais-made craft creation shine at this level.
©©Franck Ackermann What encounter has had the greatest impact on you in your career?
“I believe that every encounter is significant. There is always a special emotion when someone discovers my work, when they understand the story and the love I put into each knife. Seeing stars in their eyes, heartfelt smiles, is worth more than any award. It's a precious form of recognition for a craftsman.”
What memory or order particularly moved you?
“There are several, but one story deeply touched me. A client contacted me, telling me about his mother, a lacemaker by trade. She had married in a Calais lace dress, designed by her own father. He entrusted me with a piece of the bodice from this dress so that I could create four unique knives.”
For the first time, I worked with white lace on a black background. This commission wasn't just an object: it was a family memory, a passing down of traditions, a tribute. It's in moments like these that my craft takes on its full meaning. The knife then becomes a link between past and present, between emotion and creation.