John Philips is the founder of Phillips Forged and Primeaux.
He makes every single piece by hand and runs the entire business.

He’s a father, artist, gardener, craftsman, outdoorsman, friend, and chef living in Knoxville, Tennessee. John's artistic influence comes from living immersed in the rivers, forests, and mountains of East Tennessee and Appalachia.

John Phillips gained widespread recognition on the History Channel's Forged in Fire, where he won the “Foot Artillery” episode (Season 6, Episode 20) and returned to showcase his talent in Season 10, Episode 20 as a celebrated champion. Beyond Forged in Fire, Phillips has also been featured on PBS, his knives have been showcased in Garden & Gun and he was featured in Chef Sean Brock's New York Times Bestselling cookbook, South. Read more about John's Press here.

Before working as an award-winning bladesmith, he owned and operated a high-end concrete fabrication business, and worked as a maker of fine wooden instruments, a sculptor, a cabinetmaker, and a welder.

Kate Wiggeringloh is the backbone of Primeaux. Working quietly behind the scenes, Kate is the team’s integrator, business manager, and support staff, transforming ideas into action and keeping things running smoothly.