Suchat Jangtanong – Thai Custom Knife Maker and Mosaic Damascus Artist
Occasionally we come across artists who deserve far more attention from collectors — and talented Thai knife maker Suchat Jangtanong is one of them.
At just fourteen, Suchat Jangtanong entered his lifelong profession as a third-generation knife maker, learning the craft alongside his father and grandfather in their family workshop in Uthai Thani Province, Thailand. After mastering the fundamentals of the trade, he attended the Royal Thai Handcraft Atelier, where he refined his skills and learned the precision techniques required to create high-quality folding knives.
After graduating in 1982, Suchat apprenticed under an experienced knife-making team, where his exceptional carving ability first gained recognition. Two years later, in 1984, he opened his own workshop, continuing his family’s legacy of handcrafting knives entirely with traditional hand tools, just as his father and grandfather had done before him.
Suchat believes the true beauty of knife making lies in imagination and individuality — designing each piece with a unique artistic vision. When asked about makers he admires, he names Larry Fuegen, praising his use of basic hand tools and his distinct, artistic approach to carving and design.
Because many of Suchat’s knives are destined for art knife collections, he frequently works with mosaic Damascus steel from Robert Calcinore, whose intricate patterns lend a striking boldness and vitality to his creations. For practical, everyday knives, he uses ATS-34 steel, chosen for its durability, stain resistance, and superior edge performance.
On the technical side, Suchat has also developed a custom spring mechanism for assisted openers, which one well-known knife maker described as “unique.” His innovation demonstrates both his technical mastery and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship.
In recognition of his artistry, Suchat Jangtanong received high praise in the August 2012 issue of Blade Magazine for his remarkable mosaic Damascus and mastodon ivory Balisong featured in the article “The Fixed Blade That Folds.” The article described it best:
“Balisongs range from the Spartan to the sublime. An example of the latter is the model by Suchat Jangtanong.”
He was again featured in the November 2012 issue of Blade Magazine in the “Knife Makers Showcase,” further cementing his reputation as one of the most skilled art knife craftsmen in the world.
Though Suchat does not currently attend knife shows in the United States, his work is represented at the Blade Show, the Las Vegas Custom Knife Show, and the New York Custom Knife Show by Keith Newman of Mr. Damascus Knives.
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