FABIAN HOBBELEN
My name is Fabian Hobbelen, a Dutch knife designer and creative mind who enjoys turning new ideas into something people can actually use and experience.I have travelled the world, met many different people and experienced different ways of life. All of those experiences have shaped the way I see things today, but I do not try to force a complicated story behind every design. Knives are simply one of the ways I express myself and share my ideas with others.
My designs usually begin with an idea for a new function, feature or improvement. I am always looking for something that has not been done before, or for a way to move an existing concept forward. I do not want design to stand still. The final shape develops naturally while I draw around that original idea.
I mainly design with myself in mind. I ask what I would genuinely enjoy carrying, using and interacting with. Functionality, balance, comfort, ease of use and fidget-friendly operation are all important to me. A knife should work well, feel natural in the hand and be enjoyable enough that you keep reaching for it.
To me, a knife is one of the most useful tools a person can carry. It performs countless daily tasks, can offer a sense of confidence, can be mechanically satisfying to interact with and can also exist as functional art. A well-designed knife can be practical, comforting and visually exciting at the same time.
I want people to see one of my designs and immediately think, βThat is different. I need to experience it.β Some unusual features may not fully make sense until the knife is actually held and used, and I understand that. I sometimes feel the same way about choices made by other designers. That discovery is part of the fun.
I prefer to let each design speak for itself. I introduce the idea, answer questions and explain the features when needed, but ultimately I want people to use it, enjoy it and have fun with it.
As a person, I am easy-going, kind and always willing to help. More than anything, I am simply excited to share my ideas with everyone.