When we needed the perfect setting to photograph our new Graphene work pants—some of the toughest we've ever made—we called our friend and Dovetail fan Chloe Kim at Acre Forge here in Portland. She makes incredible custom knives, and we knew her shop would be the ideal place to showcase what these pants are built for.
What we got was way more than a photo shoot.
Chloe moves through the shop like it's second nature. Chop saws throwing sparks, forges blazing at crazy temperatures, flying metal shavings—none of it phases her. One minute she's hammering red-hot steel, the next she's doing precision work on a handle with surgeon-like focus.
Sure, we got our shots. But we felt like we also got a front row seat to a master at work. Every hammer strike, every careful adjustment—you can tell this woman lives for what she does. And at the end of the day, she even generously agreed to answer a few questions for us too.
You can see more of Chloe's amazing blades on Instagram at @luneknives or at acreforge.co
What do you have to sacrifice to be a good knife maker?
Everything hurts. Right now, I'm dealing with TMJ, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, a pinched nerve in my neck, a bulging disk in my spine and a varicose vein behind my knee. So, if health is wealth; everything? Making knives is fun, but it's really hard on your body. I've obtained certification for teaching yoga and am studying yoga therapy to heal myself and help others work through the impact life (and knives) impose on our bodies.
What are you doing when you're not making knives?
Sipping Margaritas (on the rocks with salt) in my hammock while listening to Alan Watts, paddle boarding with my girlfriends on the river, cookouts after berry picking or the farmer's market, repairs around the house, and leather work (I make a lot of wallets and I'm working on a belt for a girlfriend right now). I make soaps when I need them. I cook a lot, garden, and I'm an avid fermenter.
You seem so at ease in this place. Does anything scare you?
Trypophobia (the fear of clusters of holes or bumps). This shows up in wood grains such as thuya and certain maple burls which are popular handle materials for knife makers. Sometimes even bubbles in the bathtub can be triggering! I couldn't eat strawberries growing up because of the seeds. Now I just try to enjoy the juice and forget about them!
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be a classical violinist like my mom.
If you could give your 20-year-old-self advice, what would it be?
Enjoy the ride. Don't let your fear of looking stupid hold you back. I was super serious when I was younger. I never wanted to make mistakes or find myself in a rut. Now that I'm older, I know that you learn by making mistakes and you find your people who help carry you through these times.
What's always in your pockets?
My car keys, phone, a knife (I typically carry a turquoise Spyderco Delica), a Foursevens flashlight and a hair tie.
Do you have any special projects or cool things you want people to check out?
I have a line of Lune signature knives I make at Acre Forge in Portland, Oregon along with five other super talented knife makers. We all take commissions for custom work and collaborate on a line of culinary knives we're redeveloping to release next year. Stay tuned for more about those in 2026 and reach out if you'd like me to make something special for you!
