The Forge Initiative: Chef Edward Lee x Messermeister — Where Craft Meets Cause
At Messermeister, our mission is clear: to shape the world for the better.
With that vision at heart, we created The Forge Initiative—a collaboration between Messermeister and world-class chefs to design innovative, purpose-driven products. Each knife we create under this initiative supports a nonprofit organization chosen by the collaborating chef. It's our way of giving back beyond the kitchen, and deepening the impact of our craft.
A Legacy of Giving
Supporting nonprofit organizations has always been a fundamental part of Messermeister’s identity. Through The Forge Initiative, we’re taking that commitment further by forging unique, high-performance knives that give back in a tangible way—one slice at a time.
Partnering with Chef Edward Lee
We’re proud to partner with Chef Edward Lee, a culinary trailblazer known for his soulful cooking that bridges global flavors with deep Southern roots. Chef Lee’s nonprofit, The LEE Initiative, is the beneficiary of this collaboration.
The LEE Initiative—short for Let’s Empower Employment—was created to tackle systemic challenges in the restaurant industry. As Chef Lee explains:
“When we see a need for more diversity, equity, sustainability, and compassion in the restaurant industry, we find innovative and impactful solutions. We create programs that make a real difference in the lives of the next generation of restaurant professionals. We help our community and inspire others to get involved.”
From mentorship and education to emergency relief programs, The LEE Initiative is helping shape a more inclusive and resilient culinary world.
A Knife as Bold as the Mission
Chef Edward Lee’s LIMITED EDITION Bunka Knife is a striking blend of tradition, innovation, and storytelling. Rooted in his Asian heritage and influenced by his Kentucky roots, this knife is as functional as it is meaningful.
Knife Features:
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Handles crafted from reclaimed Maker’s Mark® whisky barrel staves—infusing heritage and sustainability into every cut
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52-layer Japanese Black Damascus steel with a VG10 core—for unparalleled sharpness and durability
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Razor-sharp 15º cutting angle—designed for precision and performance
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Clean Asian Bunka silhouette—a nod to tradition, with a touch of modern grit
This knife embodies what Chef Lee calls “spiced-up simplicity”—a no-nonsense tool with the gritty beauty of something well-used and well-loved.
A Cut That Gives Back
When you purchase a knife from The Forge Initiative, you're not just getting a beautifully handcrafted tool. You’re investing in a mission—supporting community programs, empowering the next generation of chefs, and being part of something that truly matters.
Explore The Forge Initiative and shop the limited-edition Chef Edward Lee knife at www.messermeister.com.
