Cristian Silva is a multidisciplinary artisan whose work exists at the intersection of extreme functionality and artistic expression. A knifemaker, scrimshander, engraver, and carver, his practice is rooted in a deep understanding of the traditional craft of knifemaking, understood not only as a technical discipline, but as a cultural language and a creative act.
Each knife signed by Silva is born from a fully handcrafted process, defined by mastery of steel, control of fire, and meticulous attention to detail. His pieces are not conceived as serial products, but as unique works in which form, balance, and ergonomics engage in dialogue with a distinctive visual narrative. In them, utility does not oppose beauty—it sustains it.
The use of scrimshaw, ornamental engraving, and carving is an essential part of his artistic discourse. These disciplines, applied with technical rigor and aesthetic judgment, do not function as mere ornamentation, but as narrative elements that provide symbolism, identity, and conceptual depth to each piece. The result is knives that transcend their function to become objects imbued with memory, character, and meaning.
His career is supported by more than two decades of continuous training and practice. Over twenty years ago, he began his education under the mentorship of Master Miguel Gugliotta, a fundamental stage in acquiring technical foundations, respect for tradition, and a deep understanding of the craft. His development was later consolidated through collective learning alongside various artisans of his generation—a process of knowledge exchange that enriched his perspective and contributed to the construction of his own language.
Throughout his career, Cristian Silva has developed a recognizable, sober, and powerful style in which knifemaking tradition coexists with a contemporary authorial vision. His production ranges from high-performance knives to collectible pieces, valued by collectors and professionals in the sector at an international level.
In 2023, his work was recognized by the Knives Yearbook, which included him among the “10 Must Know,” a distinction awarded to artisans considered essential within the current international custom knifemaking scene.
Beyond his personal work, Silva plays a fundamental role in the preservation and projection of the craft. He is the director of the Valencian School of Knifemaking, from where he promotes the technical and artistic training of new generations of artisans, fostering respect for manual processes, technical excellence, and critical thinking applied to the object.
He is also the organizer of the Valencia Knife Fair, a benchmark event that brings together artisans, collectors, and professionals from the sector, consolidating Valencia as a relevant enclave within the European knifemaking landscape. This work reinforces his commitment to the artisan community and to the cultural dissemination of contemporary knifemaking.
Cristian Silva’s work does not seek immediacy or complacency. It is steel shaped with time, knowledge, and purpose. Pieces that cut, but also tell stories, affirming the value of author-driven craftsmanship as a living heritage in the 21st century.
