Forging as a second nature
- Jānis has had a passion for tools since he was a child
- He prefers creating tools for other craftspeople, not just for collections
- His practice inspired him to move from the city back to nature
Jānis Nīmanis creates hand forged and custom knives, axes and hatchets. “Growing up in the countryside, I always harvested grains and collected wood. I was constantly surrounded by tools, such as axes, scythes and hammers, and was fascinated by their function and design,” he says. Over time, Jānis’ passion for tools only grew stronger. He decided to leave his engineering studies in Denmark behind, and focus on making knives and axes, as he became discontent with life in the city and missed the freedom he had living around forests. Today, through his works, Jānis shares the craft of bladesmithing in Latvia. “I aim to show the world the complexity and intricacy that my craft entails. There are plenty of people who appreciate details and quality, which only makes me more passionate about what I do,” he explains.
Interview
- What was the first tool you ever forged?
- After seeing a Damascus steel knife, I decided to make one, but I realised I did not even have blacksmith tongs to hold the steel billet. So, before I could attempt to make my first Damascus steel knife, I had to forge a set of tongs. In other words, the first tool I made was to help me make a tool I wanted to make.
- Why did you choose to pursue knife and axe making?
- Even though I was studying engineering, I found it impossible to let go of my dream of making knives and axes. Moreover, I was really unhappy with the city life, I missed living in the countryside and its nature.
- Do you feel responsible for spreading your craft?
- I feel very proud to keep bladesmithing alive, I aim to inspire others to discover the beauty of the craft. It is important for people to understand that bladesmithing is not easy, but highly technical and physically demanding.
- How do you deal with the surge in mass production and CNCs?
- To me, craftsmanship is all about the details. Machines produce without attention, care or love. While handcrafted items are not for everyone, many still appreciate the details of high-quality objects.
Jānis Nīmanis is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2006
Where
Jānis Nīmanis
