We recently connected with Tony Marfione and have shared our conversation below.
Tony, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Our mission in our industry is to defy convention. We are in an industry that has been around since a caveman sharpened a rock. and being able to do new and unique things is a tall order. Every day we take what has been done and make it our own in a unique and artistic way.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Since the age of 13 I was working in the shop with my father Anthyony Marfione Sr owner and founder of Microtech. I did it all from sweeping the floor to assembly and loading parts into machines. Since then, the knife world had its hooks in me. As time went buy I did more and more of the processes and eventually was in the custom shop with dad. Growing and learning by his side really gave me the push to get out and do it myself. In 2015 My wife and I started Heretic Knives to really show the world what I could do. Like any new business we had a hard-fought start but we forged our dream into the business we have today. We constantly challenge conformity and embrace the exceptional and bring cutting edge designs and unprecedented elements to the craft. With our custom knives we blend renowned traditions with a passion to break the mold, we deliver products that are distinctive, yet refined.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Being the son of a knife manufacturer was great for me in the learning faze of my life. But when it came to using my creative ability and doing things my way I needed to set out of the shadow so to speak so that I can do things my way. People knew what I could do working for Microtech but I showed them my ability personally when I started Heretic.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesion that I had to unlearn and I still even struggle with to this day is just taking time to develop people. What I mean by this is, in the beginning of my company it was me and my wife. We did it all, from sweeping the floor to grinding blades and everything in between. We have grown to a company of 7 but I have struggled with giving up tasks and not being the micro-manager that we all hate. I have that get it done spirit no matter what I do and I am not afraid to put in the long hours and work, but having help has been great for my family life that I am finally taking back now. I have to check myself and use my team to get the work done instead of putting it all on my wife and me!
Contact Info:
- Website: hereticknives.com
- Instagram: Heretic_knives
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hereticknives
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfXurPg_YqSa4XzIaRYzaKA