Shirogorov Sergey
Sergey Shirogorov
Sergey Shirogorov is a highly respected figure in both Russian and international knifemaking and a co-founder of Shirogorov Knives. Sergey designed most of the brand's production models and continues to create custom knives of his own. For a collector, getting a folder made personally by Sergey Shirogorov is a rare opportunity — and it comes as no surprise that Shirogorov knives continue to appreciate in value.
Sergey was born in Yaroslavl in 1973. Five years later, another son, Igor, joined the Shirogorov family. His younger brother would eventually become Sergey's closest friend and trusted business partner. Like most boys, Sergey was fascinated by knives from an early age. He made his first knife while still at school, starting, as many makers do, with a fixed blade ground from a saw blade. It was tiny and perfectly suited to sharpening pencils — exactly what a schoolboy needed. Encouraged by his first success, Sergey borrowed a grinder with the help of a local machinist and made several primitive sharpening tools of his own. He soon lost interest in knifemaking, however, and put the hobby aside for a while.
His passion returned when Victorinox products appeared in Yaroslavl stores. During the difficult 1990s, Swiss multitools were prohibitively expensive for a young man from the provinces, so Sergey decided to build his own version. He found an old, battered Soviet folding knife and rebuilt it piece by piece: adding a screwdriver and a saw, replacing the spring and fitting a new blade. The complete overhaul took two years, but by the end of it Sergey Shirogorov knew that he wanted to make folding knives for a living.
He initially worked from home at a small bench. As Shirogorov folders became more popular, he eventually dedicated an entire room to production. Alongside knifemaking, he completed a degree in engine design at Yaroslavl State Technical University. After graduating in 1999, he served a year in the army. Back in civilian life, Sergey found a job that provided a steady income while leaving him enough time to pursue knifemaking. He soon registered as a sole proprietor and began taking part in knife exhibitions.
Meanwhile, his younger brother was building a career in the computer industry. In 1997, Igor graduated from a technical lyceum with honors and qualified as a CNC machine operator. He then joined one of Yaroslavl’s largest IT companies as a driver and worked his way up to become a department manager. But Igor wanted a business of his own. Watching Sergey's skills develop, in 2005 he suggested that the brothers go into business together.
The Workshop was still operating from the same small Yaroslavl apartment. Igor handled turning work and assembled the folders while continuing his job at the computer company. The business gradually expanded, and the brothers began acquiring more equipment — much to their neighbors' displeasure. After yet another complaint, the Shirogorovs decided it was time to move. They rented a two-story, 50-square-meter garage. Sergey took the ground floor, where the grinder and heat-treatment equipment were located. Igor ran the upper level, which housed the milling and turning equipment, as well as the assembly area.
The brothers' reputation grew rapidly, and orders began pouring in. After returning from yet another knife show, the Shirogorovs quit their other jobs and devoted themselves entirely to knifemaking. There were so many orders that even the garage soon became too small, and they simply needed more hands. In 2009, the brothers officially registered Shirogorov Knives and moved into a larger facility in Yaroslavl's industrial district, where they hired employees — many of whom are still part of the company today.
Over time, Shirogorov Knives entered the international market, and folding knives designed by Sergey Shirogorov became benchmarks for quality among customers in Russia, Europe and the United States alike. Although Shirogorov knives command prices above the market average, their devoted following shows no signs of fading. Sergey's standing as a knife designer was further confirmed at Blade Show 2019, where the Quantum won the title of Best Tactical Knife of the Year.
If you've been dreaming of owning a Shirogorov folder, our store is the place to look. We are proud to have a selection of Sergey Shirogorov's one-of-a-kind customs and are delighted to offer them to collectors.
