Geoff Feder ’89
Owner and Founder, Feder Knives P RO F E S S I O N A L I S M RO OT E D I N L E S S O N S F RO M A L L E N - S T E V E N S O N
Lamplighter:
FEATURE
By Sarah Woods, Director of Communications
8
“It’s all about discipline,” said Geoff Feder ’89 when he spoke about his work and life. Geoff is an incredibly talented blacksmith. As the owner and founder of Feder Knives, he designs and makes knives for everyday cooks as well as numerous professional chefs. One of his most recent collaborations was with world-renowned chef, Jacques Pepin. Geoff described how important it is to combine technique with discipline. “The more you do this, the more efficient you get,” he said. Being disciplined was learned during his time at AllenStevenson. “I had to work hard. I wasn’t a great student, but I definitely learned to have an appreciation for being the best you can be.” “I have fond memories of my time at Allen-Stevenson. Art, especially Shop, was where I found myself. Everyone should have the chance to participate in Shop,” Geoff explained. “I even went on to win the Francis Keally Art Award one year.” He is also grateful for passionate teachers at AllenStevenson, like Mr. Kersey, who taught him history. “For my senior skit, I dressed up as the beloved Mr. Kersey, covering my blazer in chalk dust. What this represents to me to this day is that he was so focused on his teaching and educating us boys that he didn’t worry about what his jacket looked like. That’s why I remember this story.” And of course, there’s a funny story to add to his time there…“I remember being a part of a group overseen by the then Headmaster, Desmond Cole, nicknamed ‘the Rascals.’ He put us, slightly mischievous boys, to work but also took the time to chat on the stoop to get to know us better. I like that he wanted to work with students who had character.” Geoff keeps the School close to him to this day, wearing a welding jacket with an A-S patch attached proudly to the front for all to see, as he works away busily in his studio in Westchester, New York.
Geoff shows off an A-S patch on his welding gear
