Matthias Quadekker

Knife maker

©Tobias Asser

©Helena and Sisters

©Matthias Quadekker

The lure of fire and steel

Matthias’ love for his profession started with his fascination for fire
In his process, he lets the material guide him
He applies his knife-making skills to sculpting and sword-making, too

After a career in acting and singing, Matthias Quadekker rediscovered his love for forging, or more specifically, for bladesmithing. In his studio, he works with steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, and makes unique pieces, mostly commission-based. From the moment he starts working with the raw materials needed for his knives, which include wood, he attends to each step in the creation of his objects with care and captivation. His aesthetic choices are indebted to the art of Japan, reducing ornamentation to a serene minimum. "The beauty of artisanship and material govern my decisions," says Matthias.

Interview

©Helena and Sisters

©Helena and Sisters

How did you get into making artisanal knives?: Already as a child I was fascinated by fire. I once even set my parents’ garden table ablaze. Another fascination of mine was the Middle Ages, knights and swords. My mother signed me up to a course that combined both passions: forging. I rediscovered this again later as an adult.
Can you describe your process?: There is something very satisfying in giving shape to something from a thick, hot mass with a hammer. In the making process the material also guides me. It is maybe best described as an interplay, where the result is always recognisably mine.
How do environmental issues influence your work?: I partially use recycled steel, for instance, from old springs from trucks, and wood from local suppliers. Working on several objects at the same time, I fire up the oven only occasionally as it represents just one step in the process. Sustainability is expressed in the objects themselves.
What are your plans and dreams for the future?: I really enjoy what I am doing now. If there is something I would like to do more of, it is to make swords. I do that now, but only a very limited number. Recently, I started making sculptures which is something I would like to see expand.

Matthias Quadekker is an expert artisan he began his career in 2012