Interview with Marcin Kampka

Polish knifemaker. Outdoorsman. Designer by conviction. Still an insider tip – but one that sticks. We spoke with Marcin Kampka about his journey, his brand Kampka Knives, and his knives. Spoiler: It wasn’t a conversation about types of steel – but about attitude, dedication, and what really defines a knife.

Marcin, you're now a full-time knifemaker – but when did knives really capture your interest for the first time?

Marcin: That started quite early. I built my first knife when I was twelve. I still remember it clearly: I used an old saw blade as the edge and a piece of wood as the handle. It didn’t look great, but it cut better than I expected. I still have it – because it’s a symbol for me. That’s how it all began.

When did you start designing and building knives?

Marcin: That was in 2014. At the time, I was looking for a sturdy knife for my fishing and outdoor trips. Something that not only cuts but can also handle light firewood tasks or gear repairs. My father gave me the idea to design one myself – instead of endlessly searching for the "perfect" model.

I chose spring steel and combined it with a handle made of bog oak. I built it using a CNC mill, which I was experimenting with at the time. To be safe, I made two identical knives. Both worked – and my uncle still uses one of them today.

Did you have any prior experience with craftsmanship or design?

Marcin: Yes, in my own way. Before knives, I used to make fishing lures. It was always about creating something of my own – something that works. Eventually, knives just got closer to what I really needed. They never let me go after that.

My first designs were simple – wooden prototypes, sometimes just sketches. Some ideas were never realized, others I built and discarded immediately because they felt too underdeveloped or overly complicated. But I learned from that: how materials react and what actually proves itself in practice.

One of your most well-known models is the Ingeni. What’s the story behind it?

Marcin: A lot of patience – and many versions. I had the first idea in 2016. I wanted a knife that could handle as many tasks as possible without being complicated. It should feel instantly familiar in the hand, be sturdy, and at the same time precise in use.

I worked on it for a very long time – longer than any other model. It’s a tool without frills: clear, practical, and straightforward. Not a knife that constantly demands attention – but one you’ll never want to give up. I’m proud of it.

“I wanted people to feel what they’re holding – a serious tool for serious tasks.”

Do you carry it yourself?

Marcin: Every day. It’s my EDC. I’ve built many knives, but the Ingeni is with me almost all the time. Because I know what it can do – and what I can expect from it.

Are you also a collector – or more of a practical user?

Marcin: Definitely a user. I have several knives from my own workshop that I carry or test in everyday life. I also own a few models from Victorinox and Leatherman – but all of them are in regular use. I don’t collect knives in the traditional sense. For me, tools are meant to be used.

What does your typical workday look like?

Marcin: Since the birth of my son in October, I’ve definitely become an early riser. But even aside from that, I like working in the morning. That early part of the day is often the most productive – quiet, focused, and concentrated. That’s when designs are created, shapes refined, materials examined.

Are there any books that inspire you?

Marcin: Unfortunately, I don’t get to read often – there’s just not enough time. But when I do, I love post-apocalyptic books or films. That idea of: what remains when everything else is gone? A knife fits into that scenario quite well.

Last question: What’s important to you when making a knife?

Marcin: Honesty. I don’t build things that just look good. My knives aren’t made for a display shelf. They’re allowed to get dirty, get scratched. They’re meant to be out there – in the water, in the wood, in real life. When someone writes to me saying their MK knife saved their day on a trip – that’s the greatest compliment for me.

Of course, design is important, but it should never become an end in itself. Form must follow function. I try to bring clarity and focus into my designs. No unnecessary complexity. A good knife doesn’t need to be loud – it needs to prove itself in action.

Marcin, thank you for the conversation, your time, and your view on what a knife can be.