About Us

My name is Matt James.

I have been involved in making Damascus steel bars, Damascus and high carbon steel knives for the last 20 or so years. I have enjoyed learning the art of forging as it is necessary to be proficient in this to make Damascus steel. Forging also gives me the wonderful ability to change the shape of the steel to suit what it is I am making. Most of my knives are made as ‘integrals ‘meaning that they are made from one piece of steel. They are initially forged to shape and then milled and ground to achieve the final shape. The workshop for Damascus NZ is situated out of Taupo in the central North Island of NZ. I welcome people to call in and discuss their requirements for bars or knives. I simply ask that if someone is wishing to call that contact is made at least 2 days prior to allow me to schedule time to meet. I have enjoyed the opportunity over the years to meet people from NZ and different parts of the world who have a similar interest.