Our history
Sharp knives since 2020
Tomatosharp is a small business started by David Phan who saw an opportunity to provide sharp knives to his local hometown, Trondheim.
The idea for Tomatosharp emerged after he borrowed a Japanese chef's knife and discovered a new dimension to cooking. Cutting tomatoes no longer ended up with boats in soup, but perfect slices with the juicy nutrients preserved.
May 2020
The start-up garage
It all started with a home-made workbench and a couple of whetstones in a small shed at David's parents' home.
For about a year, everyday life consisted of driving around Trondheim to pick up and deliver freshly sharpened knives to the homes of private individuals and eventually chefs at restaurants.
Sharp knives for all of Norway
The way forward
In 2021, we moved out of the garage and into a workshop in Trondheim. Until today, the team has grown bigger and bigger, and ensures that Norway gets even sharper every day - knife after knife.
The team behind Tomatosharp
David
Founder, knife sharpener
Hi! My name is David, and I started Tomatosharp in my parents' garage in 2020.
I study medicine on a daily basis, and you can often see me cycling around the city with a bag full of knives.
The best part about this job is being able to visit so many people who share my enthusiasm for sharp knives and cooking. The highlight of the day is visiting the local restaurants.
Alejandro
Knife sharpener / SAISEI manager
Hi, I'm Luis Alejandro Barrera Silva, aka Ali-G. I'm an apprentice plumber and have a great interest in knife sharpening, which is why I ended up at Tomatosharp.
I also enjoy cooking, preferably with a sharp 15-18 cm deba knife.
Ruiyi
Knife sharpener
Hi! My name is Ruiyi. I currently study medicine and computer science. I like challenges and trying new things!
I love all the culinary cuisines of the world, especially those that are good with spices.
Ingrid
Content Producer
Hi! My name is Ingrid and I have had the pleasure of watching Tomatosharp's journey from start to today, as David's roommate. I currently study medicine, and appreciate all the opportunities and experiences that come from being part of Tomatosharp.
My goal is for Tomatosharp to be as climate-friendly as possible, so that everyone can enjoy sharp knives with a clear conscience.
Valentina
Knife sharpener
Hi! My name is Valentina. I started by taking my brother to Tomatosharp, and ended up becoming part of the great community and discovering their exceptional knives.
I love trying new, spontaneous activities.
Kenny
Warehouse Manager, Knife Sharpener
Hi, my name is Kenny! I study real estate, law and economics at BI Norwegian School of Business.
My favorite knives have to be Masahiro's Hōcho knife set – I'm absolutely amazed that you can get two razor-sharp Japanese knives for a thousand kronor.
Thoralf
Knife sharpener
Hi! My name is Toralf and I am a chef apprentice. I have a great interest in food and knives. Those are two things that go well together!
My favorite knife is a good bunka, forged by master blacksmith Yoshimi Kato!
Tommy
Knife sharpener, merch designer
My name is Tommy Nguyen, and I am an electrical engineer with a degree in renewable energy. I have the pleasure of working at Tomatosharp and Livid, while still studying and exploring what the future holds. I am happiest when my days are filled with exercise, cooking, and creative projects.
What really inspires me is quality, sustainability and craftsmanship. I have a love for the Japanese, especially in aesthetics and craftsmanship, where tradition and precision go hand in hand. This is also something that is reflected at Tomatosharp, which makes it motivating and fun to work here. Here it is not only about sharp knives, but also sees repair and maintenance as a natural part of a knife's life cycle.
Marie
Warehouse worker
Hi, my name is Marie Ringen. I am studying for an associate degree in English and sociology at NTNU. I have had the pleasure of being part of the Tomatosharp journey over the past few years.
For cooking, I can use any knife as long as it is “tomato sharp”
