The Forge Initiative
One of Messermeister’s standout philanthropic efforts is the Forge Initiative, a collaboration between Messermeister and chefs to create their dream products with a purpose. A share of the proceeds of the chef-designed products supports non-profit organizations selected by the chefs, resulting in a truly personable product with noteworthy causes.
Auctions for a Good Cause
Messermeister recently partnered with Chef Chris Cosentino to produce a special line of knives using repurposed materials like retired skis, creating a steel-blade knife with ski-handle grips. 100% of the proceeds from that 2025 auction went to Protect Our Winters (POW), a nonprofit dedicated to fighting climate change.
Supporting Communities and Nonprofits
Messermeister also supports a broad array of nonprofit organizations, including those working with food insecurity, education, environmental causes, and community welfare. With employee volunteerism and in-kind donations, Messermeister helps in local communities, whether distributing meals, donating goods, or contributing supplies and resources.
Messermeister also emphasizes eco-friendly materials and production processes that minimize waste, aligning with a broader commitment to environmental stewardship, demonstrating that their philanthropic values are embedded in their day-to-day operations in addition to their noteworthy special initiatives.
Giving Back Beyond the Kitchen
Messermeister’s charitable reach expands even further through partnerships and outreach. From limited edition knives for charities, including World Central Kitchen's humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and the Hawaii AG & Culinary Alliance in Maui following the fires in 2023.
Messermeister also offers discounts and support to veterans, service members, first responders, educators, and other service-oriented professions. To date, they’ve given over $500,000 in discounts to heroes and members of service.
They’ve also saved over half a million plastic bottles from littering our landfills and oceans with their commitment to using recycled plastics in their knife luggage and bags. 9 recycled water bottles are used to create a single fabric 8 Pocket Knife Roll, blending conservation with style and performance.
Why It Matters: When Buying Knives Becomes Giving Back
What is most impressive about Messermeister is the way they’ve built philanthropy directly into their brand identity. It’s not an afterthought or something for positive press, but rather a core principle driving every decision.
They offer customers a way to support social and environmental causes simply by purchasing or engaging with their brand. They foster community among chefs, supporters, nonprofits, and everyday consumers around shared values like sustainability and they demonstrate that even a company centered around culinary tools can be a force for good far beyond its product.
This Giving Tuesday, it’s encouraging to recognize that brands like Messermeister are using their platforms to make a positive difference in our society. Through thoughtfully designed products, charitable auctions, and community partnerships, they show that even everyday purchases can contribute to meaningful change.
