Inside the Design of the Ford × The Cooking Guild Knife Collection

Curtis Wright - Jan 16, 2026

When Ford engineers a truck, every decision starts with performance, durability, and real-world use.

That same mindset guided the design of the Ford × The Cooking Guild 50th Anniversary Knife Collection.

This is not a decorative set. It is a purpose-built system of tools designed to perform in real kitchens, at BBQs, tailgates, camps, and anywhere serious cooking happens. Every blade shape, material choice, and design detail exists for a reason.

Here’s how the collection was engineered.

Design Philosophy: Function First

From the outset, this project followed a single rule: function leads, design follows.

Before aesthetics, branding, or storytelling were considered, the focus was on:

Cutting performance
Strength and edge retention
Long-term durability
Comfort during extended use

Only once those fundamentals were locked in did the visual and heritage elements come into play.

This mirrors Ford’s own approach. A truck earns its badge by surviving work first — everything else comes after.

Shop Ford F-150 Knives

Why These Three Knives Were Chosen

Rather than building an oversized set filled with niche blades, we selected three knives that handle the vast majority of real cooking tasks.

Each blade serves a clear purpose.

8" Chef Knife

The core of the set and the most versatile blade in any kitchen. Designed for chopping, slicing, rocking, and general prep, the 8-inch chef knife delivers power, balance, and control in equal measure.

10" Serrated Slicer

Chosen specifically for large proteins, roasts, brisket, bread, and BBQ work. The longer blade length and serrated edge allow for clean cuts through crusts and bark without tearing or crushing the interior.

5" Utility Knife

A compact, agile blade for in-hand work, trimming, slicing, and precision tasks where a larger knife would feel excessive. It bridges the gap between a chef knife and a paring knife.

Together, these three knives form a complete, no-compromise working set.

Blade Construction, Geometry, and Balance

All three knives share the same 3-layer blade construction, built around a core of American S35VN steel.

S35VN was chosen for its proven balance of:

Exceptional edge retention
Toughness under lateral stress
Corrosion resistance
Ease of maintenance compared to ultra-brittle steels

Each blade is hardened to HRC 60–62, providing long-lasting sharpness without sacrificing durability.

Blade geometry was tuned individually for each knife:

Thin enough behind the edge for clean, efficient cuts
Strong spine geometry for stability and confidence
Balanced weight distribution that naturally centers near the pinch grip

The result is a knife that feels stable, predictable, and fatigue-reducing — especially during long prep sessions.

Handle Materials and Durability Choices

Handles often fail before blades. That’s why we treated handle construction with the same seriousness as steel selection.

All three knives feature:

Military-grade G-10 handles
Full tang construction for strength and balance
A Ford blue spacer as a subtle brand accent
Ford-engraved rivet and Ford-engraved butt cap for permanent detailing

G-10 was selected for its resistance to:

Moisture and humidity
Heat and cold
Oils and repeated washing
Warping, cracking, or swelling over time

The handle shape was refined for comfort across a wide range of hand sizes and grip styles, ensuring security without forcing the user into a single technique.

CNC Engraving as Storytelling

Branding should never weaken a blade.

That’s why each knife features CNC-engraved 50th Anniversary Ford F-150 artwork, cut directly into the steel rather than printed or laser-marked.

CNC engraving provides:

Permanent depth that won’t fade or wear away
Crisp, precise lines that respect the blade finish
Storytelling embedded into the tool itself

Just like a Ford badge on a truck, the engraving is there to mark heritage — not to compromise function.

Practical Design for Real Environments

These knives were designed to live beyond the countertop.

They are meant for:

Home kitchens
Outdoor cooking
Tailgates and BBQs
Travel and storage without damage

That’s why the collection pairs with the Ford F-150 Collector’s Knife Hauler.

Ford F-150 Collector’s Knife Hauler

Constructed from high-impact polypropylene
IP67 certified waterproof and dustproof
Custom precision-cut foam interior designed specifically for all three knives