Knafs, a whimsical and innovative brand in the world of knife products, owes its name to the tongue-in-cheek mispronunciation of the word "knives." The term "knafs," originating from a Southern accent, was also chosen by founders Ben and Athena Petersen due to the affordable price of the web domain at just 12,99 $.
The couple embarked on their entrepreneurial journey in 2018, driven by Ben's extensive experience in the knife industry. After eight years with well-known companies like Blade HQ and CRKT, Ben had a wealth of unique ideas that didn't quite fit within the scope of his employers. Fueled by their innovative spirit, Ben and Athena invested their savings into a business license and set up shop in their garage, complete with the obligatory fire extinguisher.
Their first project was a knife poster, into which Ben's extensive knowledge of pocket knives flowed. After putting their children to bed, the Petersens hand-rolled all 1,000 posters and nervously awaited their fate. To their delight, the posters sold like hotcakes, and the enthusiastic customer response motivated the couple.
Over time, the duo's passion for their side hustle grew, and Ben decided to leave his full-time job in the knife industry to focus on Knafs. Juggling their roles as parents and numerous commitments, the couple embraced the risks and excitement that came with building their business. They viewed their venture as an "iterative rocket launch" – something that might not be entirely finished yet, but was sent on its journey with the intention of gradually improving and expanding it.
Today, Knafs stands as a testament to the Petersens' dedication and hard work, continuing to develop and expand their brand in the knife industry. With their unique, tongue-in-cheek approach, they invite their customers to join them on this exciting journey, promising a fun experience for all involved.
