In an age of mass production and machine-made sameness, handcrafted anything is a welcome reprieve. And hand-crafted knives, well … that’s a luxury within which form meets function in the sharpest of ways.

At New West KnifeWorks, the boutique knife retailer with a handful of outposts from Jackson Hole to California, including one in St. Helena, Napa Valley, the knife collection is as bold and beautiful as the steel and the artistry.

If you have ever used a quality blade then you know that all knives are not created equal and the team at New West KnifeWorks is passionate about helping patrons discover their craftsmanship. Your kitchen prowess, or flare, will never be the same.

Established over 25 years ago by Corey Milligan, a modest, self-proclaimed “maker,” New West KnifeWorks was born as a hobby project that took shape in a workspace inside the founder’s small apartment in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The hand-crafted knives proved so popular for this artisan, who began selling his wares at the nation’s top arts and craft shows and festivals, the first retail location for the knife maker was soon founded in Jackson.

Fast forward to today, in addition to the Jackson Hole and St. Helena spots, plus an online option, New West has four other brick and mortar locations, including Big Sky, Montana; Denver, Colorado; Park City, Utah, and a small shop in Victor, Idaho which is home to the 10,000-square-foot New West production facility.

The company takes great pride in creating a product that is 100% made in the United States. It even sources 100% of its materials from within the United States.

While it now produces knives on a much larger scale to meet a need beyond grassroots fairs and festivals, New West KnifeWorks still adheres to the principles that started it all – each knife is finished by hand under the watchful workmanship of an individual maker who takes a single knife through the entire process from beginning to end.

Whether looking for an exquisite bundle of professional grade kitchen knives or a unique gift, the retail location in St. Helena will certainly surprise and delight both expert and novice.

The recently renovated shop is well lit and organized, with the front half of the store boasting the kitchen knife collection and the back half catering to rough and rugged lifestyle with a collection for hunter and sportsman.

In the Home

For the home chef, shoppers will find an impressive array of beautifully crafted knives from paring to santoku and bread to deli, all of which feature high-grade S35VN steel. If you want to geek out, this type of particle metallurgy steel provides New West knife makers with just the right ratio of carbide distribution allowing for not only excellent strength but also incredible edge retention.

If the steel was not an attractive enough draw, certainly the gorgeously formed color handles will do the trick. Made of a laminated fiberglass composite called G10, the colorful undulating patterns on each knife handle resemble Murano glass. Who can resist custom-building a top grade knife set that meticulously doubles as kitchen art displayed on a handmade magnetic knife block? Added bonus … all New West KnifeWorks knives come with lifetime free sharpening and can be custom engraved onsite.

In the Wild

For game hunters and outdoorsy personalities, the St. Helena establishment features a curated collection of hunting knives and gear, including custom-made pieces that feature exotic handles such as water buffalo horn and elk antler.
If cool outdoor gear wasn’t enough of a draw, shoppers can indulge in a bit of wild gaming right within the store. Tomahawks, anyone? Yup, you can try your hand at tomahawk throwing, right in the middle of downtown St. Helena. Highly patient and ultra-professional staff will draw a steel curtain creating a safe alley within the store and guide adventurous guests in a tomahawk throwing session. Definitely the ultimate way to try it before you buy it.

The next time you visit St. Helena or – for that matter, Denver, Park City, Jackson Hole, or Big Sky – add New West KnifeWorks to your list of must-see spots. Who knew knives could so fun.

1380 Main Street, St. Helena
707-244-5188
newwestknifeworks.com