Geoff Feder ’89 | Professionalism Rooted in Lessons from Allen-Stevenson

Geoff Feder ’89

Owner and Founder, Feder Knives

PROFESSIONALISM ROOTED IN LESSONS FROM ALLEN-STEVENSON

By Sarah Woods, Director of Communications

“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

What led Geoff to this fascinating combination of art and blacksmithing? It wasn’t all planned. “Sometimes opportunities offer themselves up, and you have to take them. When I was in art class, there was always a long line for the band saw, so a friend suggested that I try welding instead. Many students were afraid of the welding torch. I took to it immediately. I went on to get a studio arts degree and became a sculptor. As I was settling down in life, I decided to have a backup career plan. My father was always involved in food, so I went to culinary school. I didn’t want to be a chef but was fortunate to have the chance to fabricate a steel table for New York restaurateur, Charlie Palmer, and a relationship began. It was then that I realized that I could combine my interest in food with my passion for blacksmithing.”

Feder Knives was born.

Almost all of his knives are designed to be used in food preparation. For the handles, he has everything from local wood to a composite. “I’ve also continued to bring art into my work. There’s a line of high-colored knives (even one in an Allen-Stevenson blue & gold), and I’ve recently added some forks that incorporate layers of color in the handles,” said Geoff.

“I love coming up with new ideas. I use the process that I have in place already but expand on it. All of my knives are custom-designed.”

“I’ve just finished making two knives for the best knife maker in the country, which was obviously a huge compliment that he wanted my knives to be included in his collection.”

Despite the beauty of these pieces, Geoff honestly says that he doesn’t have a favorite. “I don’t get sentimental about my pieces. I’ve always believed that the next one is going to be better. That’s where process comes in. I believe in process over project.”

Geoff has continued to learn and evolve his work. He says he is passionate about learning. While there are master levels in something like blacksmithing, he believes that one is not really ever a master—but a student for life. “Life is one giant pathway, and you’ll be learning about things for the rest of your life.”

What’s next for this talented blacksmith? Geoff says he wants to continue to make his work available to more people…“like Keith Haring who brought art to people on the street,” he said. “I’ve already made a fabulous bread knife. Perhaps pans will be next. I really like frying pans!” added Geoff.

“Whatever lies ahead, ‘Fortiter et Recte’ is my guide,” he said with emphasis.

Visit the Feder Knives website at www.federknives.com and follow Geoff on Instagram @federknives. A Feder fork

Two Feder knives