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Journal // Studio Visit with Nůž

We visit the studio of Nůž, a New Zealand based knife brand operating out of a nostalgic and sprawling old workshop in Waiuku. Here we chat to Madison Baker, the Director and Co-Founder.

I studied mechanical engineering, so I've always had a passion for solving problems and having grown up seeing my dad build his hunting & fishing knife business, I've always had knife making in my DNA.

Shop All Nůž Knives.

During the pandemic, and while spending a lot more time in the kitchen at home, I quickly realised a gap in the market. I wanted a kitchen knife that didn't break the bank or negatively impact the environment while also being durable enough to last a lifetime. This is how Nůž was born.

 

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Nůž was founded around the idea that any small business, no matter the industry, can have a positive impact on our environment while also creating quality and cost effective products. These two things don't need to sit on opposite sides of the coin, they can instead work hand in hand.

 

 

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The workshop was started by my dad in the 80's so it's been operating for over 40 years now. I helped with jobs around the workshop during my school holidays and even worked a summer in the office while I was finishing my engineering degree, so it feels very nostalgic to me. The workshop is much like the knowledge that has been built over the years to result in the creation of Nůž; a slow and steady evolution. The original shed where his business started is still on the site with more space added over the years with his business expansion.

 

Dad is the legendary Svord knife maker who is hugely inspirational. He's been in the industry since well before I was even born, so his wealth of knowledge and experience in making excellent quality knives is priceless. It's also challenging at times as a lot of the backend of his business operates in a very traditional pen and paper way, however it means there's a lot for both of us to teach each other and learn throughout the process. One thing we struggle with is stopping the business chat during family dinners, especially since my younger sister makes knives and my mum helps with the business operations!
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In the workshop, the tempering and hardening process is of most interest to me. It's where the carbon steel develops its final mechanical properties. These are the same properties that will ensure each knife will last many generations to come, so ensuring this is done correctly is the most important step.
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Nůž aims to remove any ambiguity around knives, making the entire process from purchasing to knife care, as simple and clear as possible.

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My favourite and most used is the Daily Knife (for obvious naming reasons) while I'm at home and the Traveller when I go camping or hiking with friends.
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