Coolina knives are made by Chinese blacksmiths under contract with Coolina, an e-commerce kitchen brand headquartered in Miami, Florida.
The brand is known for rustic, Serbian style chef knives and cleavers with carbon steel blades and wooden handles, sold primarily online.
Coolina was founded in 2017 by close friends Ilya Gringaz and Sergey Markosian, who wanted to bring affordable handmade style knives directly to consumers.
Knowing who makes Coolina knives helps buyers understand how a brand with an old world, handmade look is actually produced through modern overseas manufacturing.
This article covers Coolina ownership, where the knives are manufactured, the brand’s design story, and answers to common Coolina questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Coolina Knives And Who Owns The Brand?
Coolina was founded in 2017 by Ilya Gringaz and Sergey Markosian, two close friends who shared a passion for handmade knives and cooking.
The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida, with warehouses across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Coolina remains a privately held, direct to consumer brand that has sold more than 800,000 knives since launching.
Where Are Coolina Knives Manufactured?
Coolina knives are hand-forged in China by skilled blacksmiths, then imported into the US market where most of the brand’s customers are based.
Coolina has confirmed this directly, stating its knives are made in China while some accessories, like its cutting boards, are manufactured domestically in the United States.
The knives are designed with European and Serbian inspired styling to appeal specifically to Western buyers.
What Makes Coolina Knives Distinctive?
Coolina’s knives use high carbon steel blades, including 1095 and 52100 grades, along with Damascus steel options on premium lines.
The brand’s rustic, almost medieval aesthetic sets it apart from more conventional stainless steel kitchen knives.
Popular Coolina products include the Promaja chef knife, along with the Lixy, Altomino, Daozi, and Suratu lines.
How Did Coolina Get Started?
Founders Ilya Gringaz and Sergey Markosian struggled to find authentic, high-quality handmade knives at affordable prices, which inspired them to start Coolina.
The company built its following largely through online marketing and direct to consumer sales rather than traditional retail.
Coolina has grown a community of hundreds of thousands of followers across social media since its 2017 founding.
Coolina vs Dalstrong: Which Direct To Consumer Knife Brand Is Better?
Dalstrong, founded in 2014, has built a broader knife catalog with a stronger focus on stainless and Damascus steel across multiple design lines.
Coolina leans more heavily into its rustic, high carbon steel aesthetic, which requires more maintenance since the blades are not stainless.
Buyers focused on low maintenance blades often prefer Dalstrong, while those drawn to a distinctive rustic look choose Coolina.
For more on kitchen tool brands, see our guide to who makes Craftsman tools for another widely available comparison point.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coolina Knives
Who makes Coolina knives?
Coolina knives are hand-forged by blacksmiths in China under contract with Coolina, headquartered in Miami, Florida.
Are Coolina knives made in the USA?
No, Coolina knives are made in China, though some accessories like cutting boards are made domestically.
Who founded Coolina?
Coolina was founded in 2017 by Ilya Gringaz and Sergey Markosian.
Are Coolina knives stainless steel?
No, Coolina knives use high carbon steel rather than stainless steel, meaning they require more maintenance and can rust if not cared for properly.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.