Messerschmiede Schellander

In this week’s interview I am pleased to share a window into the life of a talented bladesmith who is still relatively early on in his pursuit of this craft. They say you never step in the same river twice, and I suppose that is also true when it comes to knife making. Each subtle change in our course tells a story, and in a way is a unique version of self that will not be repeated. Which is why in this series of interviews I wanted to interview knifemakers at many different stages of their careers. One of the things I appreciate the most about this particular maker is his love and excitement for life which I think comes through clearly in his work.

To start off, please tell us a little about yourself.

Hey guys. My Name is Sven Schellander – but everyone calls me Sid for different reasons. I am 37 years old and live in a small town called Katzelsdorf in Lower Austria. I’m married to my lovely and supporting wife and also a proud father of an almost 4-year-old girl. I am a part time bladesmith since 2020. My main job is a Little Bit of Everything – being the Handyman for the town next door – I think you’d have called me community worker.

What sparked your interest in knives?

I always had to work with knives as a sign painter for almost 17 years and always kept a little pocketknife on me which I used for cutting wires, foil, or doing tasks on my lunch break. But the real thing that sparked my interest was giving up my music career. I wanted to create something with my hands that lasts for generations.

What inspired you to do this and how did you learn? 

I came as a hobby musician to a medieval festival. There I kind of bought my first ever hand forged knife. When I came home, and looked at it, I was disappointed because it had an uneven grind, the wood was cracked, etc. So I said to my wife – “Screw this, I can make that better” And so it began, my wife said – “Then do it” – and now I had a challenge to beat. So, I started watching YouTube Videos and got basic knowledge there on how to get started. I never had done anything with steel or wood before, but I really wanted to show my wife I could do better. Which I think I achieved.

When did you start making knives?

I started around September 2019 when I was a challenged by my wife. In February 2020 I made it an official part time business.

What did you make your first knife with?

I think it was 80crv2 steel, some brass pins, and a few wood blanks from dictum and a super cheap grinder from a local store.

Do you have a favorite knife you made, tell me about it?

Oh, I think I have a few favorite knives, because it’s always a new achievement. I like to keep my “first ever” knives, such as my first outdoor, kitchen, damascus, sanmai, stainless sanmai. There are definitely a lot of knives. But my latest, is I think my prettiest, it’s a Nakiri (my favorite shape) 180 layer copper-nickel-O2 steel clad sanmai with an ApexUltra core and a stabilized Koa wood handle.

What is the most important aspect of a well-made knife? 

Grind and shape for purpose is more important than fancy steel. 

You can have the best steel in the world, but if the geometry isn’t good- it is useless.

What keeps you going?

I always try to learn more and put what I learn into my knives. So I am really focused on always getting better – that’s why sometimes, maybe it is foolish, I offer my clients to refurbish my early work. For example, let’s say my first kitchen knives, because of my increased skills, knowledge, tools, etc. If they bring their knife for sharpening after a few years, I will offer them to regrind them. So, I think to answer your question, knowing my customers are super happy, brings me a smile, and is the most motivating thing for me. 

Biggest struggle?

Keeping focused. I get easily distracted… blame it on ADHD or whatever… if I wanna make something… I do it. Oh, there is a wrench laying on the floor, oh I have to clean it right now. What was I doing? So that’s a huge thing I have to work on. 

What kinds of knives do you make?

I started with outdoor knives, but now it’s like 95% kitchen knives which I really love the most. My favorites are Gyutos and Nakiris.

How did your background affect your approach to knives?  

When I was younger and working as a sign painter I learned how to be precise. So, I try to be as precise and focused on knives as I was on my sign making. When it comes to music – I am very music driven – I ask my customers to send me their favorite music or band so I can listen to it while forging and grinding, maybe that influences the finished knife? I don’t know.

Who helped you early on?

Oh, I think I still need help. There is so much left to learn. I watched tons of YouTube Videos in the past and I still do. Tyrell Knifeworks, Brian House, Outdoors55. Lately, a lot of Martin Huber because he is a very good friend. So, let’s say it was YouTube that helped me in the beginning.

Who are your influences?

I am glad to know a few of the coolest and most humble guys in knife/blade smithing and call them friends.

Like Martin Huber and Benjamin Kamon both had a huge impact on how quickly I gained my skills and learning in forging damascus steel or grinding proper geometry for example.

What other knife makers out there impress you these days? Do you take inspiration from anyone else in the field? 

Any specific breakthroughs or revelations in your knife making journey?

Yes, definitely my copper, nickel, O2 Steel clad Nakiri. That’s my personal breakthrough this year.

What is the perfect knife?

Is there one? Depending on everyone loving a different type of blade it’s hard to say.

How do you approach knife testing?

Sometimes I have people in my house test different types of blades – because I am super bad at cutting techniques and I am not that often in my kitchen. So, I ask them what they like or don’t and try to make it better.

How do you develop a design, select a steel, and fine-tune a heat treatment?

I do 90% of my knives as custom orders. But when I decide to take some time to make a new design, I make a little sketch. So I can see where I want to go with it. Maybe trying out a new damascus technique. So, a lot of things run into a new design. Some Are good – some are not. For heat treating, I am using the specs that are given on the steels and look for what fits the best for that specific type of blade.

Do you like working with any particular steel?

I am fascinated with all kinds of steels, like, isn’t it amazing? You heat it up and you forge a square bar into a ball. Then turn that ball into a flat bar. If you get it too hot it will get brittle and spark. If it’s too cold and use too much force it splits\breaks. Bu0t for knives? I really like to use ApexUltra. It’s a tough one to forge, to grind, and to finish. A little bit of a pain I would say, but it’s so rewarding if done properly with heat treatment. Simply amazing.

How has the knife world changed since you started? 

I think since I started shortly before COVID-19 hit. I think there are a higher amount of knifemakers out there. But knives have been around since humans found out you can cut stuff with sharp stuff. I don’t think it has changed a lot the five years since I started.

What’s up next for you? Any exciting new projects to tell us about?

Since I built a new workshop last year, I am still focused on setting it up properly. So, that’s my main goal, and there is one order coming up that will push my limits. I am super happy how much my customer put their trust in me. It will be a huge Nakiri, with a stainless sanmai, and a heavy taper on both the tang and blade to hit the parameters my customer gave me and deliver him the blade that he deserves. Also, I am attempting my second workshop on folding knives, which I am super excited about. Maybe I can offer that in future, who knows. 

To see more of his work check out his website https://www.messerschmiede-schellander.at/ or his Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sid.knives/