Our Students
Every knife tells a story. See what AKU students have built — from first blades to award-worthy pieces — and read what they have to say about the experience.
Hands-On Learning That Transformed My Skills
“I recently joined AK UNIVERSITY\'s knife-making class, inspired by the exceptional quality and artis…”
My journey at AK University has been transformative
“At AK University, under the experienced and patient guidance of Andreas Kalani, I discovered a uniqu…”
The passion in the way Andreas teaches was fulfilling
“From beginning to end, the class was full of experience, talent, and critical knowledge. The amount…”
Our 10th-Anniversary Knife-Making Adventure
“We wanted a project to celebrate our tenth anniversary—something we could learn and create together.…”
Andreas is very helpful, knowledgeable, and easy to learn from
“Coming into the class without any experience other than research, I had a great time and experience…”
Learning from a True Master of the Craft
“I’ve wanted to make a knife for years, and learning directly from Andreas was the perfect way to do…”
An amazing experience with Andreas that I’ll cherish forever
“My interest in attending AK University probably differs from most – but even if you don’t have ambit…”
Worked from raw materials to a fully finished knife
“After searching for a way to build my knife-making skills, I was excited to discover AK UNIVERSITY—j…”
A Gift Turned Into a Passionate Craft
“The knife making class was a gift from my wife for my son and me — and what an adventure it turned o…”
The 'Click' Moment: When Technique Becomes Second Nature
“I really liked the pace of the class and the one-on-one instruction. We had a practice session that…”
All of my expectations were exceeded and then some
“I have followed Andreas on social media for almost four years and have seen his amazing knife-making…”
From Japan to Santa Ana
“I take a lot of classes—from woodworking joinery in Japan to boat making in Washington. If I had to…”
work side by side with a true craftsman like Andreas
“This class is incredible value! Getting to work side by side with a true craftsman like Andreas and…”
From Hammer to Blade: Crafting My Own Yakut Knife
“I’ve always been fascinated by knife forging, ever since watching Forged in Fire. Despite my growing…”
A Hands-On Journey Into Craftsmanship
“I joined AK University because I wanted to learn something useful and hands-on—something I could be…”
Andreas is an engaging and supportive teacher
“My knife-making journey began with a desire to sharpen knives better, which led me to refurbish vint…”
Andreas\'s knowledge and teaching abilities where far beyond my expectations.
“So, I took several knife classes in the past from a different school; I came across AK knives and th…”
Finding Mastery Through Guidance
“I joined AK University because I reached the limit of what I could learn on my own. I had been follo…”
This class saved me from watching 10,000+hours of YouTube videos
“I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Andreas guided me through a custom knife build covering the funda…”
An Unforgettable Experience at AK University
“What initially sparked my interest in AK University was the diversity of knife-making classes and th…”
From the Office to the Grinder: Gaining Inspiration Through Craft
“As someone who works in an office all day, I rarely get to work with my hands, but this experience g…”
From the moment the class started
“I was inspired to join AK University because I was ready for real, hands-on teaching from the best—a…”
Hooked on Knife Making at AK University
“I absolutely love the knife I created, and so does the chef who’s using it! Even a week later, I sti…”
The details and techniques were incredible
“I was in awe of how great Andreas’ class was. I have put together some knives with handle material,…”
Beyond Remarkable: A Gift That Came Alive
“My wife gave me this class as a gift, and it was beyond remarkable. Andreas is a fabulous teacher wh…”
An Incredible Depth of Knowledge
“I first joined AK University as a gift from my dad, and what started as excitement over a unique exp…”
Transformative Knife Making Experience at AK University
“My experience at AK University was everything I hoped for and more. I discovered the school through…”
This will not be my last visit to AK university
“The inspiration to take the trip from Texas to California was easy! I wanted to learn early in my kn…”
The hands-on experience in my first knife-making course was invaluable
“I found AK UNIVERSITY when I needed to tackle a knife project, and it turned out to be the perfect f…”
AKU surpassed all my expectations
“Our son’s long-standing interest in crafting quality knives led us to AK University. After he comple…”
From Interest to Obsession: Broadening My Knife-Making Skills
“As a full-time knife maker for the past year, I’ve been eager to learn from the best in the industry…”
Demystifying the Craft: Start to Finish Mastery
“I’ve watched plenty of videos, but actually sitting down to go through the entire process from start…”
Andreas is amazing and patiently explains the process.
“Andreas Kalani is Awesome! He is passionate and willing to share, teach, and pass on his legacy.”
Andreas will tailor the class to your skill level
“The knife-making class at AK Studios will catapult your skills forward by years. Andreas will tailor…”
AK UNIVERSITY was the perfect opportunity to turn that passion into a skill
“I’ve been interested in learning knife-making since I was a kid, and joining AK UNIVERSITY was the p…”
The hands-on vibe at AKU made the experience even better
“I was excited to find AK UNIVERSITY just an hour and a half away, as I was looking to build my knife…”
Andreas is a true craftsman and artist and an even better instructor
“My wife is a chef, and although I had no experience making knives, I got an itch to make a knife for…”
Creative, Comfortable, and Truly Hands-On
“I wanted a practical skill that didn't involve sitting behind a desk, and AK University delivered ex…”
From Longtime Dream to Finished Blade
“I had wanted to make a knife for years, but I struggled to find the right place. My wife came across…”
A Career Altering Experience
“I came into Andreas’s Beginner Knife Making Class coming from the 2D/Graphic design space, wanting t…”
A Journey That Exceeded All Expectations
“Choosing AK University for my knife-making journey was a decision fueled by curiosity and a quest fo…”
I have already booked another class with Andreas
“I have been a bladesmith hobbyist for about 1 year. All my knowledge was learned through good ole yo…”
Blew my expectations out of the water
“2nd the knife I’ve ever made taught by The Great Andreas Kalani at his new Orange County AK Universi…”
From Woodworking to Blade Mastery
“My journey with AK UNIVERSITY began with my long-standing interest in metalwork, fueled by my backgr…”
The learning environment at AKU struck a perfect balance between relaxed vibes and high productivity
“I have been intrigued by the art of crafting knives for quite some time, but I lacked the guidance t…”
Exceeded My Expectations: Great for Both Beginners and Makers with Some Experience
“I wanted to take a class at AK University to level up my skills and clean up my techniques. This was…”
A Deep Dive Into Technique
“I joined AK University after going down a deep YouTube rabbit hole about knife making. When I found…”
The 2 day class is like a summary of Andreas years of experience & knowledge
“The 2-day class is like a summary of Andreas’ years of experience and knowledge of knife making. He…”
A Quest Ignited by Passion
“As I embarked on my knife-making odyssey, AK University emerged as the beacon guiding my path. Amids…”
Turning Steel Into Something Personal
“I’ve always been interested in knife making, and my parents surprised me with this class as a Christ…”
I know it sounds cliché
“I started making knives about a year before I found Andreas’s class at AK UNIVERSITY. I had taken cl…”
A Unique Date Day That Turned Into a Masterpiece
“I was looking for a unique date day for my husband and found AK University—it was the only place tha…”
AK University Took My Knifemaking Skills from Good to Exceptional
“As a self-taught knifemaker, I reached a point where I knew I had to go back and properly learn the…”
From Ocean to Workshop
“I decided to take a knife making class at AK University because I wanted to learn how to make dive k…”
Focusing Retired Energy: From YouTube Hype to One-on-One Reality
“"After recently retiring, I needed a meaningful project to focus my energy and time on. I had been f…”
An Exotic Experience That Actually Clicks”
“I signed up because it felt like an amazing opportunity to do something new, exotic, and completely…”
From Curious to Confident in Two Days
“Working with Andreas was a great experience. He’s a gifted instructor—patient, clear, and deeply kno…”
Venturing into the Realm of Knife Making
“Stepping into the world of knife making, AK University beckoned with promises of artistry and skill…”
A Transformative Knife-Making Experience with Andreas
“Andreas helped guide me in learning the craft of knife-making. The learning vibe was very hands-on,…”
Learned a great deal from you
“I want to thank you again for giving me the opportunity to take your knife-making course. I really e…”
From Passion to Precision
“I’ve been fascinated by knives for as long as I can remember. Over the last couple of years, as I do…”
Andreas was extremely patient and easy to talk to.
“Taking Andreas’s bladesmithing course has been an absolute dream come true. I’ve fantasized about pu…”
From Curiosity to Craftsmanship: My Journey at AK UNIVERSITY
“I work in an environment where I am constantly around knives of all kinds, and over time, I became i…”
From Zero Skills to a Beautiful Blade
“I’ve loved knives since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until I started hunting that I wanted to learn ho…”
AK UNIVERSITY was a gift from our wives—a special “father-son” experience
“Taking a knife-making class at AK UNIVERSITY was a gift from our wives—a special “father-son” experi…”
Andreas is both an artist and a professional.
“I’ve always been interested in forging and knife making, so when I heard about what AK University of…”