Nik Wilson

West coast Bladesmith

As a blade smith on the West Coast, I am passionate about creating exceptional metalwork. My dedication to the craft is evident in every piece I create. From intricate designs to sturdy repairs, I bring together classic techniques and modern methods to produce unique and stunning works of art.

Knife maker

About me

I started my journey in the art of Knifemaking when I started an apprenticeship in Fitting Turning and Machining in 1987 . I moved to the beautiful West Coast of New Zealand 32 years ago. I found myself drawn to the craft, and have been working at honing my skills ever since. When I’m not working on new pieces, I can typically be found pursuing other artistic endeavour's like engraving steel , carving bone or Nephrite Jade , leatherwork, and stonework. This adoration for the art underpins my commitment to creating unique, high-quality knives, crafted to last a lifetime.

Fusion of beauty and functionality . The main Stainless Steel I use is Sandvik 12 C 27 and 440C ,also Swedish AEB-L which was designed for razor blade production. For Carbon Steel I use CK1055 , which is a Spring Steel and 15n20 a Nickel alloy steel. This Carbon Steel is hot blued to protect the blade from rust .

Some of my knives

Coffin handle Bowie 9 inch blade

$ 450.00

Copper handle hunting knife

$ 250.00

Jade handle , recurve Bowie

$550.00

Moonlight drop point

$ 375.00
Stainless Steel guard 4 inch blade

Kapatea

Offset drop point hunter
Hinau handle
$375.00

Ezra

9 inch Ladder pattern Damascus Steel Hunting knife . New Zealand Nephrite jade handle with Nickel Silver and leather spacers . 100 layer Damascus forged guard and pommel .

Wapiti

Aisi 1055 Carbon Steel big game hunting knife with etched faces

Walnut Bowie

Forged in West Coast Coal from 100 layer 1 inch X 1 inch square Damascus Steel bar . Forged Wrought Iron guard and pommel engraved .Walnut handle

Walnut Bowie

Engraved Wrought Iron pommel in sheath

Moonlight in Jade

4 inch drop point hunting knife with Copper bolsters

10inch Chef

Jade handle kitchen knife with Stainless Steel blade and bolsters

A selection of Copper Bolsters

I can form and emboss Copper to any pattern , to suit the knife design

Sara

7 inch 440C Stainless Steel Wedding cake cutter , Stainless Steel bolsters ,phenolic resin handle

10 inch Chef

440C Stainless Steel blade and bolsters ,carved Whale bone handle .

Dark Forrest Chef and Carving knife

Silver Pine burl handles and Copper Dark Forrest Bolsters . Hot blued Carbon Steel blades

Enquiries

Contact me

Have a question about my custom knives or the process of designing your own? Feel free to reach out and contact me!

Metalwork

I Forge my own knife blades from scratch. I can custom finish blades in Damascus, satin or it can be hand polished. Choose from drop point, bowie or kitchen style to suit your everyday needs, hunting or cooking activities.

Horn & Antler

I have a vast collection of horns and antlers like Red deer, ox, sheep, goat, Water buffalo and American bison. All of which have the most beautiful grains, warm colour & surface textures with excellent grip for your custom made knife.

Stonework

Being on the West Coast, I have access and can handcraft my handles using local Pounamu- NZ Jade Nephrite and other local natural stones. Uniquely designed handles that are beautiful & functional for all your needs

Leatherwork

I offer sheaths in various styles and leathers to match your custom knife. I take extreme care in crafting each sheath to ensure it fits comfortably and securely. Leather can be tooled or embossed to your design or mine.

Woodwork

I can craft knife handles from native NZ woods. I pay close attention to every detail, ensuring that each knife is unique and top-quality. I also collect exotic woods from around the world that you can choose from

nik

Wilson

the knife maker