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 For
over a half a century, Imre Polyák (pronounced Poyäk) has been making
knives. Having a burning passion for knives even as a young child,
he began his training in knifemaking at the age of fourteen, as
an apprentice to one of the most famous knifemakers of the Guild.
His training was classical and thorough. He served as an apprentice
for three years and as a journeyman for an additional eight, before
his name first appeared on a knife.
He has received a multitude of honors, including
the designation of Master Craftsman and admittance as a Fellow of
the Golden Wreath. In 1997 he was granted the highest honor an artisan
can receive from The Republic of Hungary, the coveted title of Grandmaster
of the Art. Master Polyak is the only living knifemaker elevated
to this rank. Over the years, his knives have been exhibited in
shows and museums all over Europe and have received numerous medals
and awards.
Master Polyak is especially renowned for his
folding knives. As a child he spent his summers on the Great Plain
of Hungary, among the shepherds and horsemen of the region. He became
fascinated with the incredible skill of these people in utilizing
their knives for an endless variety of tasks. Now his knives are
in great demand by the very same people; all those whose very existence
depends on his knives. The shepherds, the woodsmen and the legendary
horsemen of Hungary as well as by their compatriots in all parts
of the wild Carpathian marches seek him out.
Most of his folding knives are based on traditional
designs of the 18 th and 19 th century with many improvements. To
assure that the knives meet his standards, all knife parts, including
the individually forged and ground blades, the hand filed springs,
the solid brass or German-silver body and are made by Master Polyak
himself. Even the handles, which are carefully cut from whole stag
antlers, cattle horn or from hardwood and fruitwood logs seasoned
under his shop, receive Master Polyak’s full attention. All in all,
it takes over 140 steps to make a Polyak folding knife.
In designing a knife Master Polyak follows a
simple philosophy: First and foremost the knife should perform what
it was designed for. Secondly, a knife should be a thing of beauty.
According to Master Polyak a beautiful, well balanced knife makes
any chore easier and even the food seems to taste better!
Master Polyak is ably assisted by his son who
trained as a machinist with a specialty in knifemaking and has been
working with his father since 1977. Encouragingly, his 15 year old
grandson is also mesmerized by the knife maker’s craft and can often
be found helping out in the shop. Accent Sales is proud to introduce
to America a very limited number of knives from this legendary knifemaker.
In the case of each knife the blade bears Master Polyak’s name or
signature. Also found on many of the blades is the Seal of the ancient
city of Kecskemét which has designated him as Sword and Knife Maker
of the Realm. Furthermore, except for the Ultras, each knife comes
with a certificate of authenticity signed by Master Polyak.
For the avid collector, for the master craftsman
or for the dedicated outdoorsman who wants the very best, these
knives will truly provide a lifetime of pleasure.
 Master
Szilagyi (left)is the creator of the beautiful solid wood cases
many of our Accent Knives products call home. These cases are works
of art in themselves, featuring hidden hinges, ingenious latches,
wooden tensioners and multi-layer finishes. Over the years, Master
Szilagyi's work has been displayed in many exhibitions and museums
and he is in constant demand both by the public and private sector
for his artistic creations. He has been given the coveted title;
Master Artisan of Woodworking, by The Republic of Hungary.
The photo shows Master Szilagyi working on a display
stand concept for our Surgeon Knife Set.
 Master
Nadai (right), the creator of our magnificent leather knife
cases, is the fourth generation in a family of leather craftsmen.
By the age of nine he was helping his father in the family shop,
working on everything from hussar saddles to silver laden harnesses
for the nobility. Master Nadai has probably forgotten more about
leather than most experts ever knew! His skills are in demand internationally
with the work ranging from custom gun cases to restoration of museum
quality leather objects. At Accent Knives, we are very proud to
have this Master of leather working creating our knife sheaths and
cases.
The photo shows Master Nadai examining his work
on one of our Carpathian Survival Set presentation cases.
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