About Us

Born In The Wild, Rooted In Legacy

Raised on the rugged shores of the Big Island of Hawaii, our founder was immersed in a world where the ocean, the land, and the tools of survival were inseparable from daily life. Growing up, he learned the art of Hawaiian craftsmanship through the tools that defined his culture—the pāhoa dagger for carving and the ’opihi knife for harvesting. These tools, forged by generations of hands, embodied strength, adaptability, and precision, igniting his lifelong passion for creating instruments that honor tradition while serving the needs of the modern adventurer.

His journey took a transformative turn during a visit to the ancient ruins of Mesopotamia, a cradle of civilization where the echoes of history whispered through the sands. There, he discovered the story of "Kades," a name rooted in ancient Sumerian lore. In Sumerian mythology, "Kades" (derived from Kadeš, a term associated with sacredness and battle in ancient Near Eastern contexts) symbolized a divine force of resilience and protection—a deity often invoked by warriors and artisans alike. The name resonated deeply with our founder, reflecting the duality of strength and reverence for craft that he sought to embody in his own creations. Inspired by this ancient legacy, he chose the name "Kades" to represent a brand that bridges the primal with the purposeful, the wild with the refined.

Back in Hawaii, this vision came to life. At Kades Knife, we craft blades that are as at home in the wilderness as they are in a gourmet kitchen. Whether you’re splitting kindling over an open fire in the backcountry or preparing a delicate sashimi platter with surgical precision, our knives are designed for those who live boldly and create fearlessly. Each piece we make carries the spirit of Kades—resilient, sacred, and built to endure—while embracing modern innovation to meet the demands of today’s explorers and artisans.

Inspired by heritage. Built for the bold.