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KNIFE Award

Knife Award

Announcement
KNIFE Award 2025

KNIFE Award 2025: Khukri with a Twist!

The Khukri, the legendary blade of Nepal, is one of the most famous knife designs in the world. For the KNIFE Award 2025, we are seeking high-quality, handmade Khukris – but “with a twist”:
Each submission should feature a unique element that expands or reinterprets the traditional design. This could be achieved through unusual materials, additional functions, or original design elements – the key is that the Khukri must be special in some way.

Outstanding works that impress with quality, design, and creativity will be awarded.
The KNIFE AWARD from the German Blade Museum is the coveted accolade for handmade knives in the German-speaking region. It is awarded each year at KNIFE, the blade fair in Solingen, in two categories:
The Jury Award is endowed with a prize of €2,000, sponsored by the Friends of the German Blade Museum Foundation. A four-member panel of recognized experts from the craft and knife-making scene will determine the winner.
The Audience Award is also endowed with €2,000, sponsored by Knife Lounge (www.knife-lounge.de). The winner is chosen by the visitors of KNIFE through voting during the fair.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS & SUBMISSION
To participate, please submit:
  • A unique Khukri “with a twist”
  • A brief description of the materials used
  • A short explanation of what makes the piece unique
  • Full contact details including email address
  • A sheath is optional but may be a deciding factor in the event of a tie
REQUIREMENTS
  • The materials for the submission are unrestricted.
  • All parts of the Khukri (including an optional sheath) must be handcrafted by a single individual. Collaborations are not permitted.
  • Any Damascus steel used must not be purchased but produced by the maker.

OPEN PARTICIPATION
Participation in the KNIFE Award is open to everyone. Attendance at the KNIFE fair or membership in a knife-making association is not required.

SUBMISSIONS TO
German Blade Museum Solingen
Dr. Sixt Wetzler
Klosterhof 4
42653 Solingen
Germany

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Entries must be received by September 30, 2025.
Submissions arriving after this date will not be considered for the competition.

SUBMISSIONS FROM NON-EU COUNTRIES
Before submitting your entry, please clarify the customs regulations and ensure that the knife does not face post-clearance fees. Participation cannot be guaranteed for entries held by customs.

EVALUATION & AWARDS JURY AWARD CRITERIA
The pieces will be judged by a four-member expert panel based on the following criteria:

  • Craftsmanship quality
  • Design
  • Originality and consistency in execution

AUDIENCE AWARD VOTING
Each KNIFE visitor will receive one vote, which must be cast by Sunday, October 27, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Voting will be based on personal preference.

AWARD CEREMONY
The two winning Khukris will be announced on Sunday, October 27, 2025, at 3:00 PM at KNIFE.

PRIZE MONEY

  • Jury Award: €2,000, sponsored by the Friends of the German Blade Museum Foundation. Additionally, the winner will receive a free exhibition table at KNIFE 2026 (the following year) if desired.
  • Audience Award: €2,000, sponsored by Knife Lounge (www.knife-lounge.de).
PRESENTATION
The submitted entries will be presented at KNIFE 2025 and returned after the fair. Alternatively, they may be collected in person after the award ceremony.
We look forward to receiving many unique Khukris “with a twist”!