Interview: Corey Milligan on the Inspiration Behind the 8-Inch Chef Knife

NWKW: Corey, can you share what inspired the creation of the 8-inch Chef Knife?

Corey Milligan: The inspiration for the 8-inch Chef Knife was to make it light and agile, especially for those who aren’t accustomed to larger knives. An 8-inch Chef Knife is really an ideal size for home use—it’s versatile enough to be the one knife you can use for everything. During the design process, I sometimes called it the "light speed 8." And, transparently, I originally thought of it as the "lady’s 8" because most of my customers were women who often felt a bit intimidated by bigger knives. That said, some of the best chefs I know, regardless of gender, love the 8-inch Chef Knife for home use because it’s their go-to tool.

NWKW: It sounds like this knife strikes a balance between elegance and functionality. How would you describe its design and performance features?

Corey Milligan: Absolutely. The 8-inch Chef Knife is elegant and refined, yet robust and capable of handling anything you’d want a chef’s knife to do. It’s narrower than some of the trendier, wider blades out there. This gives you excellent knuckle clearance on the cutting board while maintaining agility for turning cuts. The narrow blade makes it nimble, while the tip allows for precision cutting.

It’s also ground very thin, which gives it an incredible cutting edge. But thanks to our CPM S35VN steel—a particle metallurgy steel—it’s super tough. This means you can use the knife aggressively without worrying about it chipping or breaking.

NWKW: What about the materials and aesthetic options? Those seem to be a big part of New West KnifeWorks’ appeal.

Corey Milligan: The steel is a big part of what makes this knife special. CPM S35VN is cutting-edge—it provides elite sharpness, edge retention, and toughness. But we also focus on aesthetics. The handle and sheath come in a variety of vibrant, unique colors, which makes it not only a functional tool but a statement piece in the kitchen.

NWKW: Who would you say this knife is perfect for?

Corey Milligan: It’s a fantastic choice as someone’s first New West KnifeWorks knife. It’s also an excellent gift—it’s something people can use every day, and it’ll last them a lifetime. Whether you're giving it to a budding cook or an experienced chef, it’s the kind of tool that brings joy and performance to their kitchen.

NWKW: Why do you think this knife resonates so much with both home cooks and professional chefs?

Corey Milligan: I think it’s because it embodies everything people want in a knife. It’s strong, versatile, and easy to use, but it’s also beautiful. It makes everyday kitchen tasks feel less like chores and more like an experience. And that’s what we’re all about at New West KnifeWorks—turning the mundane into something extraordinary.