Welcome to Fimbulvetr Knifeworks.
My name is John Gulso. I consider myself a “maker” more than anything, but since 2015 that passion for creating things has been focused on custom knives. Knives, while perhaps man’s oldest tool, are an excellent canvas for someone with interests like mine. From pure utility and performance knives, to artistic creations, historical reproductions and everything in between, knifemaking has become an outlet for my desire to learn, innovate and create.
My day job is metal fabrication. I’ve been in manufacturing my entire adult life. From iron foundries to high tech tool and die for computer components, welding to industrial maintenance, my career has both driven and directed my path in knifemaking.
Currently, my primary interests lie in simple steel bowies or fighters with hamon, super steel utility fixed blades and folders, and damascus works of all kinds. Any knife I decide to make, I try to start with the end in mind – regardless of the level of finish, embellishment or material, the knife needs to perform the task it was created to perform.
Growing up in rural Wisconsin, my interests have always trended towards outdoor activities. Hunting, fishing, camping, farming, canoeing – all requiring a knife. If you’re of a similar persuasion and find that the options available to you aren’t exactly what you want – I’d love to help solve that problem for you.
See me compete against 3 talented smiths who’ve become close friends on History’s Forged in Fire – Season 5 Episode 16: Bagh Nakh Blades
