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ABOUT US

Our story

Our story
Patrik Hanzel – co-founder of the Nidavellir workshop
Patrik Hanzel
Founder
Miroslav Kukučka – co-founder of the Nidavellir workshop
Miroslav Kukučka
Founder

The Nidavellir knife workshop grew out of a long-held wish of old friends to create a place where creativity, tradition and precise handwork come together. We were brought together by a passion for the craft and a fascination with old metalworking techniques. Our vision was not only to build a workshop, but also a community where craft enthusiasts, seekers of new experiences and experienced makers meet.

In 2022 we brought bladesmithing to the capital and founded the Nidavellir forge, named after the legendary home of the dwarves in Norse mythology – master smiths and makers of mighty weapons. From the start we decided to focus on handmade, one-of-a-kind knives of Damascus steel, known for its exceptional strength, durability and beautiful pattern. Every knife made in our workshop is an original – a union of art, craft and function.

Our products are made with attention to detail and honest handwork. Every piece reflects a story – the story of the metal, the fire and the craftsman who breathed a soul into it. Knives from Nidavellir are not just tools for everyday use, but exceptional objects with a personal character. They can be part of a collection, a valuable gift or a symbol of respect for tradition and craftsmanship.

Besides making knives, we also offer courses and workshops where you can try this ancient craft first-hand. Guided by experienced masters, participants go through the whole process of making a knife – from choosing the material to the final sharpening. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced craftsman, at Nidavellir you will find room to grow, inspiration and, above all, the joy of making.

Hammering glowing steel on the anvil
Hammer on the anvil by the glowing forge
Grinding a blade on a belt grinder
Glowing Damascus billet in the forging press
Vise and hammers in the Nidavellir knife workshop

Our motto

Nemo vir est qui mundum non reddat meliorem
A man is not a man unless he makes the world a better place
Gas forge in the Nidavellir workshop

About our workshop

Our knife workshop is equipped with top-quality tools for precise, high-quality knife making. We use gas forges to forge the blades, a forging press to shape the steel and PVPTech belt grinders for a perfect finish. An electric heat-treatment oven together with a hardness tester ensures the optimal hardness of the material.

A lathe with a milling attachment allows precise shaping of the handles, while a dedicated edge grinder takes care of maximum sharpness. Final details and personalisation are done with a laser engraver for precise marking and a unique design.

Thanks to top-quality equipment and precise workmanship, we make knives that meet the highest demands for quality, sharpness and durability.

Our services

01
Custom knife making
We make knives by hand to the individual wishes of each customer. Every knife from our workshop is an original – a union of function, aesthetics and honest craftsmanship. Together with the client we discuss the purpose of the knife, the type of steel, the blade shape and the handle design, so the result fully matches their vision. The result is not only a quality tool, but a personal piece of craftsmanship with its own story.
02
Knife-making courses
For everyone who wants to try working with fire, steel and their own hands, we offer courses and workshops focused on making a knife. In a friendly atmosphere and guided by experienced instructors, participants go through the whole process – from forging to the final finish. The courses suit complete beginners as well as those who already have some experience with the craft and want to take it further.
03
Care and service of our knives
Every knife deserves care so that it serves you for many years. We offer service and adjustments for knives made in our workshop – from resharpening, polishing and handle repairs to a complete restoration. If something wears out or your needs change, we will gladly make sure the knife once again meets everything you expect from it.
04
Individual use of the workshop
Exceptional projects deserve an exceptional approach. If you would like to use our workshop for your own creations, production or experiments with metal, we can agree on individual terms. Please contact us – we will gladly discuss the options and conditions so that we create a safe and inspiring environment for your ideas.
01

Custom knife making

We make knives by hand to the individual wishes of each customer. Every knife from our workshop is an original – a union of function, aesthetics and honest craftsmanship. Together with the client we discuss the purpose of the knife, the type of steel, the blade shape and the handle design, so the result fully matches their vision. The result is not only a quality tool, but a personal piece of craftsmanship with its own story.

02

Knife-making courses

For everyone who wants to try working with fire, steel and their own hands, we offer courses and workshops focused on making a knife. In a friendly atmosphere and guided by experienced instructors, participants go through the whole process – from forging to the final finish. The courses suit complete beginners as well as those who already have some experience with the craft and want to take it further.

03

Care and service of our knives

Every knife deserves care so that it serves you for many years. We offer service and adjustments for knives made in our workshop – from resharpening, polishing and handle repairs to a complete restoration. If something wears out or your needs change, we will gladly make sure the knife once again meets everything you expect from it.

04

Individual use of the workshop

Exceptional projects deserve an exceptional approach. If you would like to use our workshop for your own creations, production or experiments with metal, we can agree on individual terms. Please contact us – we will gladly discuss the options and conditions so that we create a safe and inspiring environment for your ideas.

Where to find us

We are on the premises of the Welding Research Institute (Zváračský ústav), Račianska 1523/71, Bratislava.

We will be glad if you come and visit us – please call us in advance during opening hours on +421 949 057 544.

  • Mon – Fri
    9:00 – 17:00
  • Sat – Sun
    Closed