Valla, Liam

Liam Walle (pronounced Valla) started making knives in 2018 when he was 13. He began his journey forging out of a brick barbeque to make a sword inspired by his appreciation for all things medieval. He started with minimal tools, and after a while he started making damascus steel by hand and got addicted to small details. Liam likes to challenge himself, trying projects way beyond his comfort zone to sharpen his learning curve. His perfectionism makes him strive to reach the highest standards in his work. He makes most knives, but especially enjoys fighters, hunters and daggers for the extra challenges they pose and also the extra opportunities for embellishments they present. Liam has very quickly established himself as a rising star in the New Zealand knifemaker community. With an interest in fantasy novels and crafting things with his hands, these two passions collided when he discovered the art of knifemaking. For the past few years, he’s been learning, building and refining his skills. In his comparatively short time making, Liam has created pieces that many makers don’t attempt for years. He’s hand forged a feather damascus integral, s-ground a damascus chef knife and worked on a takedown damascus fighter and dagger. He has become New Zealand's first American Bladesmith Society Journeyman Smith in 2024. Suffice to say, he’s talented and ambitious. Liam makes a variety of pieces across many different styles, each pushing him to new heights. His aim is to create works of art that cut as good as they look, something people will cherish for their lifetime. Like many great artists from history, he aims to create a legacy and be remembered as an artist of skill.