Welcome to Balete Blades, my workshop.
I'm Sean Alonzo, a Filipino bladesmith, dedicated to the craft of creating heirloom chef knives and folding knives from the heart of my workshop in Manila. Each knife I craft is bespoke, tailored from scratch to marry form and function into a singular piece of art.
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I Made a Knife Collection in Bhutan
A few months ago, I had the honor of being invited to Bhutan by His Majesty the Fifth King of Bhutan to lead a long-term workshop for local knife-makers. Although it meant stepping away from my Manila workshop for a while, it was an incredible opportunity to take charge of the local forge and workshop here.
Crafting a Chef Knife for His Majesty the Fifth King of Bhutan
In my recent trip to Bhutan, I was invited to lead a workshop for local knife-makers. I never anticipated that this journey would lead me to another opportunity: crafting another piece for His Majesty the Fifth King of Bhutan
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Making a Pizza Cutter
For a Guy Who Likes to Make Pizza
I make pizza cutters sparingly - once a month or every quarter - so this is a newer craft I've had the privilege of exploring and honing. These knives are more detailed towards detail and pattern - a little break away from the usual grind.
Crafting an Outdoor Folding Knife Inspired by the Ocean
It’s very rare that I get to make a piece for a friend in the F&B industry. I was even more surprised that the piece she ordered from me wasn’t a chef knife.
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