Knife work is the foundation of cooking, and most chefs never learn it correctly. In this episode of Chef’s PSA, Andre Natera sits down with Don Smolik (Study The Blade) and knife maker Kolter Livengood to break down knife maintenance, sharpening technique, steel selection, blade geometry, stone care, and how to choose the right knife for your work.

They cover personal stories from the kitchen, common mistakes, and the real method behind effective knife care. If you’re a chef, line cook, or culinary student, this is essential listening.

Links & Resources
Subscribe on Substack → https://chefspsa.substack.com/
Shop Chef’s PSA Merch → https://shop.chefspsa.com/
Visit Chef’s PSA → https://chefspsa.com/
Chef Works → https://www.chefworks.com/ — Code chefspsa20
Study The Blade on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/studytheblade/
Kolter Livengood on Instagram→ https://www.instagram.com/livengood_grindhouse/

Chef Benjamin Maides joins Chef’s PSA for a direct look at ingredient-driven cooking, seasonal discipline, and balancing restaurant life with running a farm. From his time cooking in northern Italy to building Au Courant in Omaha, Maides breaks down technique, menu development, cultural lessons, and the realities of operating multiple roles at once.

This episode is for chefs who care about real craft and the work required to build a sustainable culinary career.

Links & Resources
https://www.instagram.com/swissbenny/Subscribe on Substack → https://chefspsa.substack.com/
Shop Chef’s PSA Merch → https://shop.chefspsa.com/
Visit Chef’s PSA Website → https://chefspsa.com/
Chef Works (Sponsor) → https://www.chefworks.com/ — Use promo code chefspsa20 for 20% off

Chef Amanda Rockman joins Chef’s PSA to break down the real pastry chef life—high pressure, long hours, technical discipline, and the mental toll that comes with it. With 20 years in Chicago’s top kitchens and a new bakery and coffee shop in Austin, she shares the truth about pastry work, insomnia, ingredient quality, modern management, and the realities of building a bakery from nothing.

This episode is direct, unfiltered insight for pastry cooks, chefs, and anyone considering pastry as a career.

Links & Resources
Subscribe on Substack → https://chefspsa.substack.com/
Shop Chef’s PSA Merch → https://shop.chefspsa.com/
Visit Chef’s PSA Website → https://chefspsa.com/
Chef Works (Sponsor) → https://www.chefworks.com/ — Promo code chefspsa20
Follow Amanda Rockman → https://www.instagram.com/arockman/