25/11/2025
Today the award plaques from the Damasteel Chef Invitational arrived.
2025 has truly been a peculiar year, marked by countless setbacks—not least a broken knee and the failure of building my new workshop, due mainly, though not only, to the blindness of the local town administration where I live.
The audience award for “Best in the Show” represents the esteem and affection of my family, my friends, and my followers, and it truly warmed my heart.
The award for “Best Japanese Chef Knife”, thanks to the votes of my peers—such talented and inspiring knifemakers—pushes me to always give my best and reassures me that the path I chose to follow is not so wrong after all.
I thank the entire group that revolves around Damasteel and this event. I am increasingly convinced that it is much more than just a group of knifemakers.
I thank my friends and my family who support and endure me every single day.
The list of people I should thank is so long that I am sure I would forget someone.
The list of people who, fortunately, have nothing to do with this recognition is instead very short and doesn’t even deserve a place in these few lines.
Here’s to next year, which already promises to be full of new experiences and emotions.
