Raw Craft with Anthony Bourdain - Episode Four: Bob Kramer

Anthony Bourdain & The Balvenie head to Olympia, Washington to see firsthand how master bladesmith, Bob Kramer crafts the perfect kitchen knife from melted meteorite. Kramer is one of only one hundred twenty-two certified master bladesmiths in the U.S. and the only one who specializes in forging the word's finest kitchen knives. Episode directed by filmmaker Rob Meyer.
The Balvenie’s longstanding alliance with craft is a result of the distillery’s dedication to the five rare crafts of whisky making, which allow them to achieve their distinctive taste and exceptional quality. The Balvenie still grows its own barley, still malts in its own floor maltings, employs a team of coopers to tend its casks, a coppersmith to maintain its stills, and has in its service the most experienced Malt Master in Scotland.
Warehouse 24 offers its members access to exclusive events, early notice of new product releases and insight & knowledge from The Balvenie’s team of craftsmen. Join here: us.thebalvenie.com/warehouse2...
All parties must be 21+ to follow, like or share. The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky ©2015 Imported by William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY.

[@kyorising]

In case anyone was wondering, this knife just auctioned for around $250,000 a few weeks ago

[@chuckkillawood8229]

Wow.

[@horaciocastillo1435]

As I was reading this information came to my mind that just a couple of hours ago I bought a used 8 inch Henckels knife for $25 that have saved for a least 2 years to buy it and here I am very happy waiting to see it in my hand in at least 2 months til gets here to Costa Rica. What a hudge gap between the rich and the poor. Cheers Kyle and thanks for your comment.

[@decembersveryown5935]

How much did he get?

[@pabmar797]

@@decembersveryown5935 $231,250

[@ThoughtSP95]

Horacio Castillo have you received your knife yet?

[@esdawg8089]

God I really miss Tony Bourdaine making television. 😥

[@TheArcticWonder]

May he Rest In Peace

[@JAK3080]

One of the greatest storytellers there ever was...

[@MDFaught]

Me too. He's a legend

[@jenniferschmitzer299]

Me too.. miss him like nothing else 😞

[@billmoyer3254]

in the end he reverted to his dna

[@timothystrampp7131]

It felt like Bourdain was here once again. Miss him so much. And Bob Kramer is the Legend

[@danschmalle136]

I have the honor of owning three of Kramer's knives. When life has had its ups and downs the fancy cameras, Swiss watches and expensive audio gear have all been sacrificed. But I'll never let those incredible pieces of functional art go. As gorgeous as the video is to watch, the experience of actually using one of those knives is spiritual. They are beyond sharp and fit into your hand like they are a natural part of it.

[@lamerica80]

+Dan “Doc B.” Schmalle If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for them?

[@ventarfield7115]

+Dan “Doc B.” Schmalle I was sold after the video, but your description just takes this to a whole different level.

[@danschmalle136]

+lamerica80 I am a maker of vacuum tube audio amplifiers - bottlehead.com - and Kramer and I worked a trade. This was about 12 years ago, so I don't think that I could give you an accurate estimate of the price relative to what they might sell for now. I worked as a baker and pastry chef for about 20 years before taking up the audio business. Kramer's comment about switching to an art form that isn't eaten five minutes after you finish it really strikes a chord! After 20 years of peeling apples and chopping 5kg. blocks of chocolate with the same knife I could appreciate his craft from a practical viewpoint. Even if they weren't so gorgeous they would still be world class tools.

[@CharlPantaleon]

+Dan “Doc B.” Schmalle Dan, I love your amps! :) Simple and clean looking. They'd make great photo subjects. Plus, they sound really wonderful!

[@zetash7372]

+Dan “Doc B.” Schmalle When you said they fit into your hand like it's a part of it, does that mean they're custom made for you? Like, did you have to provide hand size measurements?

[@pulache]

Hi, does anyone else look and remember what a real man Mr. Anthony Bourdain was? It's been a few years and we still miss you.

[@MikeKobb]

When Bob did his line of knives with Shun and sold them through Sur la Table, he went around to the stores doing hands-on classes in sharpening. I took one of his classes, and it was great fun -- he's an excellent teacher. But the real treat was that he brought one of his own handmade chef's knives. Gorgeous, light, balanced, and absolutely fearsomely sharp. I'd love to own one someday. Functional artwork.

[@jambwa]

+Mike Kobb Hey Mike, Thanks for the generous endorsement.

[@SomethingSeemsOff]

+Mike Kobb ever heard of glass blowing?? they seem to care A LOT about function. specifically "special" glass blowers :)

[@hardcoredoom5892]

I can tell I could talk to Mr. Bob Kramer for hours as long as he didn't get bored of me. Also, rest in peace, Tony. You revolutionized my thinking.

[@AdamasOldblade]

Bob Kramer = Legend. I don't say this lightly, super knife geek here. And he's humble to boot, that helps in anything!

[@jeffkalendek779]

beyond legend. I waited 2 and a half years for my first Kramer knife. a piece of art. it has been used everyday for the past 18 years in a professional environment. its still razor sharp.

[@zerocool-zerocool]

his knives are made in japan by the way... not in his workshop

[@isabelleb.1270]

With all respect, when Anthony Bourdain says that this man is “the best in world”, he got too passionate. The best *in the USA* , maybe... but surely *NOT in the world* ! I am not a specialist, but the Japanese knives are *very* respected. The Vikings were not bad either with their axes... Our world is SO MAGICAL when we start to open the door and welcome the other cultures... ✨🧡 *Why some people accept food or items from foreign cultures, but *not the people* from these cultures is something I will never understand* ... And WHY a *vegan whose food comes from all over the world* is better than a person eating meat from an animal respected from birth to death ? *Personally, I cry for the poor strawberries, tomatoes, etc. that NEVER TOUCH THE GROUND* . Take care ✨🧡

[@Glenn056]

@@isabelleb.1270 what the fuck

[@louzander]

I don't know much about knives, but I know Bob Kramer. So cool to see him work!

[@gusf8451]

Bob should be honored to have this one on one with the great Bourdain, he should cherish this video, RIP Anthony

[@ndfleet3601]

He was offed because the pedo dirt he had on the elites...

[@clauderodrigue6461]

You can tell he's a master. Even looking at his movements while he's pouring the drinks is precise.

[@GlenAndFriendsCooking]

I could watch this all day!

[@minetlav5110]

Than you should watch it all day

[@vacationrentals758]

Anthony if you ever read this know this, the world loves you. You are showcasing the magnificent works of the few excellent, passionate craftsmen of the world. Much appreciated, keep up the excellent work!

[@McCallahanIndustries]

Bob's awesome. Shows how a true passion, dedication, and talent can coalesce into mastery of a craft and, in the end, create something truly spectacular.

[@leostraker3494]

69 likes 👌 no one ruin it

[@terrysmith4889]

two spirit cookers showing off their knife skills in a shop decorated with sacrificial ceremonial masks. suprised bob didnt break out his quija chalk board

[@prinsepe87]

That's one of the best KZbin clips I've watched in a long time

[@blairtm1977]

Amen

[@lorddrewno4589]

Try this. It's mindblowing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nanaiJljgsuNjM0

[@Febeleh]

Bob Kramer seems like he has such a beautiful yet tortured mind. There is a sadness in his eyes that one can sense beneath the passion. Most notably when he was talking about the "chunk of stardust, induction coils, and cherry wood". Very nice video.

[@pabmar797]

Got to meet, have breakfast, and hang out with Bob Kramer today. Super nice guy, really encouraging to keep blacksmithing

[@cbglassiii9362]

Such a tragic end for such a talented guy. I'm thankful we have things such as this with which to remember him.

[@jb.899]

I wish I could see Anthony Bourdain again such a shame he had to pass away we all miss you bro

[@jeffdaily9196]

He didn't have to but I miss him too.

[@thizlam4810]

I live in Olympia and I’ve seen his shop. A buddy of mine has a Kramer knife he got as a gift and he only ever uses it on special occasions. It’s gorgeous and feels amazing to use, one of a kind type of knife.

[@danreidy9047]

Every kid should find this place of passion... what a wonderful world it would be!!!!

[@RanNero]

+Dan Reidy That's exactly what I just said to my wife 4 seconds ago, I got two little boys, and I hope to be smart enough to encourage them to feel free and give up collage if not happy with the choice they made :):):) and follow their passion. We need to pay allot more attention to our kids, and just give them a little push in the right direction, right direction from their point of view..... not ours ;)

[@anterobinuya846]

13 year old black smith\metal head\guitarist here \m/

[@papichefitup]

i could listen to bourdain speak about anything

[@Stu-SB]

Spot on..same here

[@Commando0333]

Ask him to show you how to make a slip knot if you run into him... 😂

[@wickedworm008]

@pork n beans jesus! bruh...

[@David_Watts]

Jose Ferrer, Alexander Scourby, Anthony Bourdain, Sir David Attenborough, Brooks Moore.. great voices that narrate the events of life worth listening to

[@DanielNyberg7]

Rip

[@iTechRevolutionTV]

You can see the passion in this guy! it's absolutely wonderful and admiring to watch and listen to people who has goals and passions, unlike me who sits everyday, and watches youtube videos without any purpose in life........

[@weschaffin]

THE best Anthony bordain video on the Tube.

[@johnhuynh9298]

Amazing, now that is a master. You could see the passion in his eyes when he talks about his craft.

[@GoodTrylel]

I love how this man is so freaking passionate about his job/hobby, these are the types of people that deserve their riches

[@Orgakoyd]

That massive press thing is very intimidating.

[@JTD19881369]

it's called a power hammer.. im not trying to attack you.. I just want to inform you.

[@Orgakoyd]

JTD19881369 Thanks,I didn't know.

[@philavon1358]

its scary at first but once you use one you crave the thrill. its like a gun, but 1000x stronger

[@zacablaster]

Google nazel 2b. you won't be disappointed.

[@DouglasLoven]

Aryan Adibmehr it's called a power hammer.

[@johnnymittens77]

The world needs people like this! So much pride and attention to detail, something sadly missing in modern workmanship!

[@albuseisenhorn3385]

Cheers to two Legends! Also chills with when he shows the shadow, a touchstone to an ancient era when blacksmithing was a form of magic.

[@plinpain]

So inspiring to see someone taking it to the next level, and then literally light years beyond.

[@ahpadt]

Want one. Want one badly.

[@filthyfantasist3880]

+ahpadt $200-$1,800

[@ahpadt]

***** Not unfeasible, although the auctioning seems a lot about luck.

[@michaeljames1334]

+Joseph White ahahaha they are more than that a real kramer custom is about 10,000!

[@michaeljames1334]

+ahpadt they are extremely hard to get, i have seen about 5 auctions so far and they have always sold for 20,000+ every now and then he will have a sale for ready made knives whish is lottery and they are 6000-12000 most of the time

[@ahpadt]

michael james That's ridiculous.

[@shariffullahmajeed3753]

Rest in peace Brother Tony. You always respected others, their way of life, and their trades. I will miss you man.

[@MrMexicansteve]

Damn bring this man back to life.

[@Darthtricky]

I miss Anthony Bourdain more than certain dead relatives of mine. The man had style, presence, and way with words that touched the soul. RIP good sir

[@nicknickson3650]

Wasn't he on the Epstein logs? Maybe there was a dark side to him, maybe it had something to do with his "suicide."

[@stevenwilliams4432]

this was incredible. I came here for Bourdain but stayed because of the Bob's passion.

[@Q2bFF]

Awe tue comforting sounds of mr. Bourdain’s voice expertly narrating anything. Something tue world needs.

[@JACKBLACKTOSE]

Much love Tony, wherever you may be.

[@prid1234]

It's incredible that he actually forges the knives instead of using a rasp and grinding them down for $800. Very impressive and the look of the knife is amazing!

[@leoalcaraz6153]

We miss you Anthony

[@GaryBowen73]

I miss that man! 😕 it was such a loss when we lost Anthony Bourdain! Haven't seen this show with him, but happy to find something else of his to watch!

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

We didn't "lose" him, he commited suicide. Sad nonetheless.

[@jacenk]

the fact that Bourdain does so many things currently is inspiring everyday to me

[@JohnSmith-tr9us]

RIP

[@Mikishots]

Cool story. That guy would be a great teacher.

[@harizfadhilah6149]

the hattori hanzo of chefs

[@David_Watts]

The theme to 'Ironside' immediately shot off in my head as I read your comment..

[@victory01]

Holy shit, this guy's philosophy on why he got into knives just shook me. Good job. You got me..

[@binarystar21]

He seems like the coolest guy ever. Also a knife made from a meteor....yes please.

[@STONEPOET2]

Congratulations Bob! Seems like an eternity ago when you were showing me how to grind burn unit skin debridement tools, while watching Yanoch Kovach do one hand circus stands on the anvil at your small Seattle workshop. Karl was making hobo knifes from railroad spikes, while I ground out Djembe drums in the Kingdome parking lot. You have stuck with your craft and become the pinnacle of your rarified vocation. Working with meteors now really sets you apart. Perhaps you could craft me a space iron stone chisel for my collection. I think you need some custom stonework, we could horse trade. Strength and Honor, Matt Goddard -Stonemason Poetry In Stone

[@JamesYoung61]

What is so cool in 2018 as I am typing, is that Bob Kramer has inspired people who have inspired others, I got here via Alec Steele who is making a knife with Mareko Maumasi's assistance and Mareko did a 3 year apprenticeship under Bob Kramer, KZbin is awesome.

[@jambwa]

very cool, keep it flowing.

[@bocahpetualang89]

wow.. that stomping machine is so awesome..

[@ivanstroganov5458]

power hammer

[@DrakeMagnum]

+Kevin Raymond Khoo I just want to hang out and watch it being worked with.

[@KLucero22]

R.I.P. Anthony Bourdain, your passion will be missed by all of us who admired your sincerity and raw authenticity

[@dr.haidersayed700]

❣👆🎂😜😜😜👋😜😜😜😜😜👌😜😜😜😟😟👉👋😜😜😜😜😜😜😜😜😜😜

[@dr.haidersayed700]

Aeqaaaqaeae

[@dr.haidersayed700]

Aaew s

[@dr.haidersayed700]

52aE5a

[@dr.haidersayed700]

Waa

[@ClayClaim]

Very great! Thank a lot for your channel :)

[@zachwalker7148]

I wonder how many iron daggers and leather bracers he had to make to get this good

[@cheesegyoza]

Zachary Walker Don’t forget the enchantments!

[@shaolinfox30]

And he got so good at smithing he never finished the main quest (College) lol

[@joeyripswell]

Zachary Walker i prefer gold rings

[@THEButterKING25]

Yes

[@MrSteelermania]

I was a knife maker too...until I took an arrow to the knee

[@floriannote565]

I miss you Anthony! thanks for all the memories.

[@joek8259]

I watch this when I miss happy times.

[@creation966]

Good to see someone who's truly passionate about their craft.

[@christopherspringmann]

But it's not about the knife, which is pretty special. The confidence one feels with a fine, hand-made instrument is priceless. When you earn your living with a tool, machine or idea, it needs to be the best, then YOU are at your best. But when you get it right, ohhh, you have crossed the threshold to greatness.

[@os-1452]

I can't like this episode enough.

[@AugustusTitus]

Best episode ever. Science and the crossover to cooking. Great work!

[@GeoffroAU]

Forged from the stars. That's the real deal there.

[@krisj827]

I've been on an Anthony Bourdain vid binge and I dont know why.

[@tonydetuna1923]

krisj827 Gay?

[@Jay_P86]

Tony DeTuna haha

[@cha5]

Hungry?

[@erikawong2682]

Wow, 2 legends together. I’m crying and I’m not joking. I love this video. I’m going to watch it again. I sure miss you Chef. And maybe, just maybe one day I can buy a set of Bob Kramer knives. This was awesome. Thanks to both of you. This was so cool. What are you drinking and what did you cook to serve Anthony Bourdain? Wow.

[@youngbull73]

Excellent series hosted by an amazing host: Tony Bourdain. We will always miss his class, humor, and style.

[@raytango171]

"That's the kind of crazy that makes the world a better place."

[@lefmankan]

Makes some of the best knives in the world. 11:01 PLASTIC FORK

[@christopherspringmann]

Picnic in the shop, makes sense!

[@tiagogomes4114]

yeah, knives, not forks :p

[@lidlnutz]

I didn't realize that at first. Super funny!

[@dvdfrnzwbr]

Trophy wives are not into washing

[@MrCoalcracker79]

Rest in peace Anthony Bourdain. Will be missed.

[@osa-vt1rd]

anthony Bourdain had a way of telling the story like no one else.

[@kennethbeuscher47]

The big power hammer looked like a pissed off robot.

[@joshbryan90]

The man's a god damn artist

[@dadams9158]

Damn, I miss Anthony Bourdain. Beautiful knife. Thank you

[@bigwu100]

Damn, I wish Anthony was still here.

[@peter-radiantpipes2800]

I really want a Bob Kramer 8”. So beautiful. (That didn’t sound right)

[@charlieocharlie8599]

Just saw this, and realize, I know Bob (haven't seen him in a long time) and he was making world quality knives then..Somehow I talked him into forging a sword blade for me (which I had attached to a one of a kind hand crafted hilt), so I have a one of a kind Bob Kramer forged sword blade. Well I'll be....!

[@tomcraige4781]

Charlie O'Charlie impressive

[@cocaleaf2371]

Lmao

[@13strong]

Probably worth a small fortune now.

[@tinashen2984]

How amazing. I came back to this video to pay respects. RIP Anthony Bourdain😢😢😢

[@dixinears8004]

Awesome! What an incredible craftsman.

[@looppp]

He is so passionate. Reminds me of me! Hope when I get to that age I retain that passion!

[@sivii911]

+Faroskalin I love you.

[@drekfletch]

I like how, when he's describing his process and how the metals layer, the camera steadfastly stays on his face, so we can't see what he's showing us.

[@kingbeestacker873]

Anthony Bourdain was a man among men. Gone to soon...... R.I.P. brother.

[@ramonhenri344]

I really love this episode. Thanks Anthony Bourdain.

[@intercat4907]

November 2019 - the knife is going on auction. It is expected to go for as little as $50k. There are more expensive handbags and I don't understand people.

[@lewisyang91]

Except it went for like 250k

[@intercat4907]

@@lewisyang91 Thanks for the update. Maybe I understand SOME people :)

[@nikosfilipino]

It's value is in it's use. If the knife was bought by some billionaire who will use it to cut an avocado every now and then it went to waste. As long as a product gets used, whether a handbag watch or knife, it was worth it i think.

[@jimsmith1856]

After Bourdains' death his Kramer meteorite knife sold for in excess of $180,000. And now I know why.

[@MrNemo721]

RIP. Loved this show

[@slmsmanutd]

Anthony Bourdain makes anything seem interesting. Who knew I would watch a video about knife making from start til end

[@koettfaers]

Sam mie yeah wow 12 whole minutes. Impressive! Lord, the average attention span is getting closer and closer to your average ADHD kid. Our mobiles fucks our brains up.

[@LandingNow]

Retirement Goals

[@purpiemedia]

thats sokka's master

[@chrisspreacherman7400]

Miss him and his character!! Thanks for everything.

[@Sig220Euro]

Wow, dedication to real craftsmanship.

[@p0peye2tm]

NICE Handcraftet quality knife - Really expensive. Eats with plastic cutlery...

[@jjbranches7342]

Came here to say this. :-)

[@christopherspringmann]

I KNOW, plastic forks but that's cool, as it's a picnic in the shop, nothing pretentious, so let's eat! And have a drink of fine single malt Scotch whiskey out of a jelly jar, baby food jar, whatever,.

[@Castathon]

Rip Anthony

[@Kevin-jr4ys]

I love how he also knows/respects the history in his craft as well

[@kennethbeuscher47]

the man has awesome passion! You can't help but admire that in a person.

[@darrongclark]

I think they they omitted the quench. They went from heating to etching. Where was the quench?

[@johnmorse2631]

+Darron C they probably just didn't show it. I'm sure whatever he did was the right thing to do

[@darrongclark]

+John Morse They really should show the quench since it will make or break the blade. It is the most important element of the process and is what differenciates steel from other metals.

[@johnmorse2631]

I agree. Oh well whachya gon' do?

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

@@darrongclark when Bob said "you're gonna see an orange blade, and watch the shadow move across it, which is the steel transforming..." I began to get excited! Then, when he actually pulled it out, all orange, so we could see the shadow, I was so excited that I was almost out of my seat!! And then, the moment we all were waiting for...!!!...didn't happen!! LoL. And actually, quite a few things didn't happen. Because of the way the producer needed to film the episode, most of the "work" they show him doing, was already done before the scene was shot, unfortunately. He showed us the various stages of what the bullet looks like from beginning to "time to cut the blade out of this flat piece." I'm sure he power hammered that last billet, but I seriously doubt it was the one he took over to the belt grinder for a few seconds to shape the blade - that shaped blade was already forged into a billet, hammered, folded, forged again, hammered again, cut out into the blade, and normalized long before Bordain and his producer were even on the plane to get to wherever that place is. The handle material was already selected and the holes drilled into the tang, as well as the black from the scene before. What I'm saying here is, ALL the work had been done for the finished, sharpened knife we saw at the end, INCLUDING the knife we saw at the end, so that they could have time to get them both into makeup, do makeup touch ups between scenes, and all that garbage they have to do in order to film a good episode, long before the film crew were even in town, much less in that incredible workshop, my dude. Yes, you wanted to see the most important part - the part that gives the blade it's SOUL! It's very LIFE! I wanted to see it! We all did. All of us who know a little about it did, anyway. Hell, I wanted to see him make his signature center pin, even though it's a simple one...but they just don't have time to show everything. Unfortunately.

[@SteveXII]

JOE ROGAN sent me here!

[@BIGDADDYCANKOO]

2 very humble and yet incredible men.

[@TheMrWoodsman]

The best and most satisfying video I have watch in many years, perfect in every way. Thank you

[@icoivo5529]

He could have just reshaped a nokia instead

[@TheMusketITuckedIt204]

+Ico Ivo Lmao clever.

[@NickFoxQuixand]

+Ico Ivo You can't reshape a nokia. Have you ever tried reshaping Adamantium? same problem.

[@An1ma]

+Nick Fox i pretty sure shaping a nokia is better than any other sort of iron in the world tbh

[@adaz240]

+An1ma You don't get it, you can't reshape a nokia because it's so strong! haha. The adamantium was just an example from x-men.

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

@@adaz240 - If it can be shaped, surely it can be reshaped! (Adamantium, lol)

[@coleadrio4444444]

A $10,000 knife. A $2,000 smoker

[@reaneya]

So glad I found this, awesome.

[@vcli1]

Two legends doing what they do best

[@frankkolton1780]

A beautiful German style chef's knife and will certainly do the job in the kitchen, but any decent Wusthof, Misono, Henkel, or even Forschner will work just a well for thousands less.

[@gromann]

+Frank Kolton Probably not quite as well but nothing to justify the price gap. These are prize possessions you COULD use, but probably shouldn't. One thing I couldn't help but think about is that these knives are not stainless so unless you keep in mind that you'll need to maintain them far more thoroughly than a regular knife; you could end up rusting a knife that costs as much as a used BMW.

[@pepprdgefarm]

+Frank Kolton There are a number of professional reviews that would disagree. Not all knives are created equal in terms of ease of use, longevity, etc. In review after review, Kramer's knives outperform them all, all while looking fantastic. If there's one negative thing to be said of Kramer knives, is that they must be maintained assiduously (carbon steel).

[@peterisrael2012]

His steel cannot outperform other Powder Metallurgy super steels that the best manufactures and customs makers use .

[@Marrrrrrrcko]

PeterPiper Chaos well partly true. Powder steels are better in almost all areas you could compare steels. But there is one thing they don't do, they don't get sharper. It's also more difficult to get them sharp. So for really using them in the kitchen on a daily basis, they aren't necessarily "better".

[@lemoncat6930]

Rest in peace Anthony, just found this awesome video again in my favourites :( ❤️

[@atrimmer3009]

To create something that can be used every day for life that enhances memories; a magnifying glass that transcends out. That's a philosophy for life. Great work, great show.